En este libro, Jorge G. Castañeda presenta una revisión analítica e intuitiva de su experiencia en el país durante el último medio siglo y deja claro por qué los extranjeros pueden ayudar a desentrañar la verdadera naturaleza de Estados Unidos. Basado en su experiencia directa y en un amplio conocimiento de las más diversas fuentes, Castañeda examina los aspectos fundamentales de la historia y la cultura estadounidense, tanto los luminosos como los problemáticos: el surgimiento de la primera clase media del mundo, la democracia y sus descontentos, el sincretismo cultural, el humor autocrítico, el genio innovador, la hipocresía de sus políticas migratorias y antidrogas, la pena de muerte, el racismo, la religión y el diseño inteligente.

Pensado y escrito originalmente para el público estadounidense, este libro ofrece una radiografía y, a la vez, una pintura de paisaje de Estados Unidos, una obra clave para entender a ese país en un momento crítico de su historia.

«Este libro es el resultado de muchos años de vivir, estudiar, madurar, dar clase y conversar en Estados Unidos. Surge de tratar con las autoridades estadounidenses de gobierno a gobierno, y de sociedad civil a sociedad civil. Durante el último medio siglo, he disfrutado la amistad cercana y duradera de muchos norteamericanos, y he observado con ellos la evolución de su país en la intimidad y a la distancia.

ENGLISH DESCRIPTION

The second decade of the 21st century ends, and American culture is globally pervasive, as is its political interference. The United States is the world's leading economy, the leading military power, and the leading country in technological innovation. How is it possible that such a relatively young country has become so dominant? Why is the trajectory of the United States so exceptional? Or... is it really?

In this book, Jorge G. Castañeda presents an analytical and intuitive inspection of his experience in the country during the last half century and makes it clear why foreigners can help unravel the true nature of the United States. Based on his direct experience and extensive knowledge of the most diverse sources, Castañeda examines the fundamental aspects of American history and culture, both the luminous and the problematic: the rise of the world's first middle class, democracy and its discontents, cultural syncretism, self-critical humor, innovative genius, the hypocrisy of their immigration and drug policies, the death penalty, racism, religion, and intelligent design.

Originally thought up and written for the American public, this book offers an x-ray vision and, at the same time, a landscape painting of the United States, a key work to understand this country at a critical moment in its history.

"This book is the result of many years of living, studying, maturing, teaching, and conversing in the United States. It arises from dealing with US authorities from government to government, and from civil society to civil society. For the past half century, I have enjoyed the close and lasting friendship of many Americans, and I have watched with them the evolution of their country up close and at a distance."