So why do Americans so dislike negotiating with enemies? He believe it has to do with the country’s combination of power and moralism.
"After 1945, the United States bestrode the world like a colossus, with an economy three times larger than that of its nearest competitor, the Soviet Union. America’s globe-girdling capabilities diminished the apparent need to compromise with weaker opponents,” he says. Additionally, Tierney adds that American moral righteousness can make the act of bargaining seem inherently suspect, while compromising with 'evil' opponents sullies U.S. values.
"The danger is that American power and moralism triggers opposition to diplomacy that undermines U.S. interests," he adds. "And refusing to compromise American values by making concessions can mean paying a larger ethical price later on; Washington may miss opportunities for a valuable deal and end up negotiating as a last resort—when its hand is much weaker."
To speak with Tierney, please contact Mark Anskis ([email protected]) in the Swarthmore communications office.