An Angel Directs the Storm: Apocalyptic Religion & American Empire by Michael Northcott
Keywords:
Protestant eschatology, American foreign policy, apocalyptic worldview, military intervention, theological critiqueAbstract
Michael Northcott's An Angel Directs the Storm argues that America's foreign policy, particularly its intervention in Iraq (2003), is deeply influenced by an apocalyptic worldview rooted in Protestant eschatology. He contends that this religious framework justifies unilateral military actions, economic expansionism, and capitalist individualism under the guise of spreading democracy. Northcott warns that this vision threatens global stability and diverts resources from domestic social welfare. The book is praised for its interdisciplinary approach, blending theology, ethics, and political analysis to expose hidden apocalyptic language in U.S. imperial rhetoric. Its critique remains relevant in debates about religion, power, and global governance.
(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)
