The Concept of American Exceptionalism

American exceptionalism is portrayed as a belief that the United States is fundamentally unique compared to other nations, often justifying aggressive political actions such as wars and invasions. This viewpoint has become increasingly centered on the rise of right-wing populism, exemplified by figures like Donald Trump, who has disrupted traditional political norms. However, the idea of exceptionalism fails to acknowledge the widespread emergence of similar right-wing movements in other countries, such as Hungary and India, where leaders have fueled anti-democratic sentiments. This suggests that the challenges to democracy are not confined to the U.S. but reflect a broader, global phenomenon of rising authoritarianism.