Final answer:
The 'counter-subversive tradition' in America has significantly influenced US policies, particularly during the Cold War, both upholding and sometimes infringing upon American values and civil liberties. This tradition reflects deep-seated debates about government's role, the balance between security and liberty, and the formulation of national identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 'counter-subversive tradition' in America refers to a trend in US political and social thought that emphasizes vigilance against internal and external threats to national values and interests, often leading to precautionary measures to assure national security. This perspective has been cited as a significant force in shaping American policies and attitudes, especially during times of perceived threats, such as the Cold War era. Proponents have argued that this tradition upholds American values like democracy and freedom, but critics cite instances where counter-subversive actions have infringed upon civil liberties and domestic freedoms.
Analyses from historians and political theorists, such as Os Guinness, suggest that the counter-subversive tradition has been a recurring element in American history, influencing foreign and domestic policies. Evidence supporting the centrality of this tradition can be seen in the policies enacted at the onset of the Cold War, where anti-communist measures were implemented, sometimes at the expense of individual freedoms. On the other hand, liberal critiques have pointed out the apparent contradiction in conservative positions that profess limited government but support increased military and law enforcement expenditures.
The conflicting views between conservatives and liberals in America reflect broader debates about the role of government, the balance between security and liberty and the definition of American values, making the counter-subversive tradition a topic of considerable influence and controversy within American history.