17 November 2003
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From the Editor…
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Cover story
One man's world
George Bush's men have made the imperial grand strategy explicit. But the belief that the US is above international law began long before this president
Features
Still haunted by guns and slavery
The outsider 1 - America idolises itself above all. That is why a country that has so many strengths often remains blind to its own weaknesses. By Andrew Stephen
From sea to shining sea
The outsider 2 - We mock their patriotism, but over there they believe that there's an America for everyone
This comic is no laughing matter
Dissent - Michael Moore is a bestselling author not only in the US, but also in Britain, Japan, Germany, Australia and many other countries. Has American cultural imperialism taken over the left as well? By Nick Cohen
Why I became a German
The exile - So vicious were the attacks on the feminist Shere Hite that she decided to give up her American citizenship
The allegiance that I can't quite pledge
Identity - Benjamin Markovits, once described by a schoolmate as half-American, half-English and half-German, grew up under many flags. Which one now commands his loyalty?
Your tyrant or ours?
Around the world, Washington endorses then deposes rulers. Reporting on Georgia, Mark Almond spells out the lesson: beware the US handshake
A funny sort of democracy
Around the world, Washington endorses then deposes rulers. Reporting on Russia, Neil Clark spells out the lesson: beware the US handshake
American fiction
Jason Cowley suggests a reading list to help George Bush better understand his country
Essay
Prize Essay - Can developing nations be independent?
Today's globalised economy is dominated by a single ideology, but the frontiers which imprison poor countries are as impenetrable as any in history. By Anthony Painter
Regulars
The Politics Column
Politics - John Kampfner finds Bush's visit a liability
Bush's state visit was planned 18 months ago when the president seemed a shoo-in for a second term. Now his presence is an embarrassment
Darcus Howe is accused of letting his country down
I tell the truth about violence in Trinidad, and I am accused of letting my country down
Mark Thomas has a letter for Hilary Benn
The Secretary of State for International Development has decided to back a World Bank loan for a BP oil pipeline. News to delight chief executives across the land
Competition
Win vouchers to spend at any Tesco store
Culture
The last laugh
The sitcom Coupling, hailed as the British Friends, has been axed by US TV bosses after just four episodes. Little wonder, writes George Walden. Compared with the best American shows, our comedy is too often outmoded, parochial and patronising
Manhattan boulevard
Cinema - William Cook goes in search of Woody Allen's New York and discovers a European fantasy
Minimal impact
Art - Richard Cork is impressed by a spectacular new museum devoted to contemporary art
Uptown boys
Music - Alex Gibbons welcomes the return of the band that made New York rock once more
Open Nike
Poetry - Helena Echlin on how the ethos of performance poetry sold out to big business
Film
We should be so lucky
Film - Philip Kerr on why American films dominate world cinema: big bucks
Television
Gay times
Television - Andrew Billen is pleased to discover US TV celebrating every nuance of homosexuality
The Fan
The fan - Hunter Davies detects empty seats at Premiership matches
Suddenly, empty seats are appearing at Premiership grounds
Books
All technique and no trousers. Bill Clinton is celebrated for his almost "carnal" relationship with voters. Despite Monicagate and the string of scandals, women continue to forgive and adore him. suzanne moore refuses to be seduced
Bill Clinton: an American journey Nigel Hamilton Century, 784pp, £25 ISBN 0375506101
A Janus-faced world
The Breaking of Nations: order and chaos in the 21st century Robert Cooper Atlantic Books, 180pp, £14.99 ISBN 1843542307
The first lady
Madam Secretary: a memoir Madeleine Albright Macmillan, 562pp, £20 ISBN 140503369X
Under the skin
Flesh Wounds: the culture of cosmetic surgery Virginia L Blum University of California Press, 384pp, £19.95 ISBN 0520217233
The new Mongols
Bush in Babylon: the recolonisation of Iraq Tariq Ali Verso, 214pp, £13 ISBN 1859845835
