Ian Buruma's book, "A Matter of Principle: Humanitarian Arguments for War in Iraq," explores the dynamics of anti-American sentiment in the contemporary world. He suggests that this sentiment may be more intense now compared to the Cold War era. This increase in hostility can be attributed to growing disillusionment with the United States, particularly when its promises or ideals are perceived as unfulfilled.

Buruma posits that in times when positive forces fail to materialize, negative sentiments tend to amplify. The idea reflects a human tendency whereby the absence of expectation leads to a more pronounced fear of perceived threats, driving anti-Americanism to new heights in recent years.