Reclaiming Patriotism in an Age of Extremes

“A penetrating examination of the meaning of patriotism. . . A well-argued call for civic renewal.”—Kirkus Reviews

"Steven B. Smith brings a wonderful blend of learning and lucidity to the most important question of the day:  What does it mean to be American?  At a time when Trumpian conservatives have revived the ethno-nationalism that runs like a dark stain throughout our history, and when many progressives regard the nation’s founding principles as little more than hypocrisies, Smith’s appeal to a patriotism of liberalism is as refreshing as it is vital."—Robert Kagan, author of The Jungle Grows Back: America and Our Imperiled World

"In contrast to those who see only a choice between xenophobic nationalism or radical anti-Americanism, Steven B. Smith shows how American patriotism can be a partnership in pursuit of a more perfect union. A valuable book that blends cosmopolitan learning with a deep understanding of what is best in America."—Rogers Smith, author of That Is Not Who We Are! Populism and Peoplehood

"Steven Smith decouples patriotism from nationalism and reclaims a viable conception of patriotism from its critics on the left and right.  Reclaiming Patriotism in an Age of Extremes is a clearly written, historically informed, and utterly necessary book for our troubled times."—William A. Galston, The Brookings Institution

"It's a brave man who takes on the vital and necessary task of defining and defending patriotism from the left. Professor Steven Smith rises to the challenge, making a nuanced but forceful case in concise and compelling prose."--Anne-Marie Slaughter, author of Chessboard and the Web: Strategies of Connection in a Networked World