Seen from the outside, there is disturbing standard set of American political contentions is that nationalism would appear to takes for granted:
 -  US assumes leadership of the western world
 -  US assumes the sole legitimate guide of its global action is American self-interest.

Do you know anyone willing to follow leaders who asserts their only objective is promoting their own self-interest? Arguably, global acquiescence to American leadership is either mere acquiescence to power, or manipulating the big guy as long as he does what other's want.