Cynthia Weber, herself American, is Professor of International Relations at Lancaster University, UK. She is the author of numerous articles on US foreign policy and US hegemony, as well as several books about international relations.

• 1. Introduction 2. Who we think we were/are 3. Who We Wish We’d Never Been 4. Who We Really Are (Humanitarians) 5. Who We Really Are (Vigilantes) 6. Who We Might Become 7. Conclusion

'Extremely relevant for understanding current world politics and the role of the American state in it ... Hollywood films have such a profound impact on viewers all over the world, influencing and sometimes producing popular attitudes. Yet international relations scholars rarely examine the role of filmic images in the construction of our world today. This work fills the gap with nuanced, brilliant insights.' - L. H. M. Ling, New School University 'One of the most perceptive and important works on the immediate post-September 11 period - tracking broad, divergent American attitudes and values, particularly as regards U.S. relations with a wider world.' - John Howard, Kings College London 'Cynthia Weber offers a commanding and insightful analysis of how Hollywood shapes America's consciousness, foreign policy and perception of itself. A brilliant book, brilliantly put together.' - Ziauddin Sardar, co-author, Why Do People Hate America?

Cynthia Weber, herself American, is Professor of International Relations at Lancaster University, UK. She is the author of numerous articles on US foreign policy and US hegemony, as well as several books about international relations.

• 1. Introduction 2. Who we think we were/are 3. Who We Wish We’d Never Been 4. Who We Really Are (Humanitarians) 5. Who We Really Are (Vigilantes) 6. Who We Might Become 7. Conclusion

'Extremely relevant for understanding current world politics and the role of the American state in it ... Hollywood films have such a profound impact on viewers all over the world, influencing and sometimes producing popular attitudes. Yet international relations scholars rarely examine the role of filmic images in the construction of our world today. This work fills the gap with nuanced, brilliant insights.' - L. H. M. Ling, New School University 'One of the most perceptive and important works on the immediate post-September 11 period - tracking broad, divergent American attitudes and values, particularly as regards U.S. relations with a wider world.' - John Howard, Kings College London 'Cynthia Weber offers a commanding and insightful analysis of how Hollywood shapes America's consciousness, foreign policy and perception of itself. A brilliant book, brilliantly put together.' - Ziauddin Sardar, co-author, Why Do People Hate America?

Cynthia Weber, herself American, is Professor of International Relations at Lancaster University, UK. She is the author of numerous articles on US foreign policy and US hegemony, as well as several books about international relations.

• 1. Introduction 2. Who we think we were/are 3. Who We Wish We’d Never Been 4. Who We Really Are (Humanitarians) 5. Who We Really Are (Vigilantes) 6. Who We Might Become 7. Conclusion

'Extremely relevant for understanding current world politics and the role of the American state in it ... Hollywood films have such a profound impact on viewers all over the world, influencing and sometimes producing popular attitudes. Yet international relations scholars rarely examine the role of filmic images in the construction of our world today. This work fills the gap with nuanced, brilliant insights.' - L. H. M. Ling, New School University 'One of the most perceptive and important works on the immediate post-September 11 period - tracking broad, divergent American attitudes and values, particularly as regards U.S. relations with a wider world.' - John Howard, Kings College London 'Cynthia Weber offers a commanding and insightful analysis of how Hollywood shapes America's consciousness, foreign policy and perception of itself. A brilliant book, brilliantly put together.' - Ziauddin Sardar, co-author, Why Do People Hate America?