America Abroad

One of the most interesting things I've discovered during my short time here is the extent of the American presence abroad. The music I heard on the radio in the US is generally the same music that blares through the speakers at the clubs here. The movies are also the same (except here you don't go to the movies, you go to the "cinema"). There is also McDonald's, and although I haven't had it yet I hear it tastes exactly the same.

However, I have to say the most interesting similarity I have discovered is in my classes. I had thought that my lectures would revolve around the UK and European politics. I was really excited for this, because I know very little about UK politics and was excited to hear a fresh perspective. However, what I've discovered is that two out of my three classes focus primarily on the US and our International Relations.

It's still very refreshing though, because now I can gain some insight into the European opinion of the US and our actions in the world. I've heard they don't have the best opinion our government over here, but so far I haven't found any evidence in lecture to support that. We discussed post cold war IR today, and assessed the "optimistic" idea that the end of the cold war brought on a New World Order, with the US leading the way into promoting a more liberal and peaceful world.
I don't necessarily agree that the US should lead the world into liberalism, but it was nice to hear this idea being taught without cynicism or sarcasm. I was pleasantly surprised that our professor didn't criticize Bush. She included several quotes from both Bush Sr. and Bush Jr., as well as a slide explaining all the good things Clinton did to promote liberalism in the world.


Next week she said she will discuss this lecture again through a "realist" perspective of the US and it's "New World Order"...I think that class will be slightly less optimistic.