‘An expensive commodity’? The impact of hope on US foreign policy during the ‘unipolar moment’

‘Imperial overstretch’ and the role played by related ideational issues derived from particular liberal tenets United States’ belief in its ‘manifest destiny’ to lead world have been regularly cited as explanations for why ambitious project transform post–Cold War era failed. In this article, I argue that these analyses overlooked a crucial causal factor also impelled States undertake ultimately doomed project: hope. demonstrate of hope’s influence found while hope can exert positive influence, it – if irrational induce self-destructive behaviour. During period unipolarity, repeatedly advanced teleological visions bright future humanity routinely infused with language was, however, more than just discursive device; was itself catalyst actions. confluence factors at end Cold aligned impel rapid emergence variant defined ‘wilful hope’ which inspired act did. how disposition evident rhetoric employed both Presidents Bill Clinton George W. Bush but importantly strategies they each implemented. Ultimately, though not exclusive undermining international support US leadership precipitating ‘the unipolar moment’.