THE RELIGIOUS ROOTS OF FOREIGN POLICY EXCEPTIONALISM

Abstract

One core element of American exceptionalism has always been public support for a “special” American role in the world. This view has religious underpinnings, but scholars have variously stressed the influence of religious affiliation, of certain beliefs or behavior, or of generalized “civil religion”; empirical research has been lacking to clarify the specific ways that religion shapes foreign policy exceptionalism. An original empirical analysis drawing on the 2008 University of Akron National Survey of Religion and Politics shows numerous effects of religion. For instance, exceptionalist views are most common among Mormons and evangelicals, and are also related to factors such as theological traditionalism and strong religious commitment. America exceptionalism provides greater latitude for what Eugene Wittkopf labeled “militant internationalism.”