Virtually American?

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This era is characterized by an unprecedented flow of goods, capital, and labor, challenging the boundaries of disciplines and encompassing spaces beyond the nation-state. This volume explores the implications of this opening of national borders for American and Canadian studies. However, caution is warranted; the concept of transnational studies risks overlooking the realities of border policing, especially post-September 11, 2001, and may obscure the nuances of citizenship rights and their absence. The denationalization of North American Studies presents a complex dynamic, highlighting that the nation-state remains relevant while also emphasizing the potential benefits of transcending borders, particularly in minority studies through transnational alliances. Additionally, the volume examines the notion of "Americanness." In a global landscape where U.S. influence pervades politics and culture, there is a danger that other cultural expressions may be perceived as mere imitations, or "virtually American," rather than authentic in their own right. This perspective necessitates a reassessment to foster a more dialogic understanding of what "America" signifies in today's world.