ABSTRACT
Before we can consider ways of ‘expanding the frame’ of futures enquiry, it is necessary to understand in depth what has been termed the ‘mindset’, or the ‘world of reference’ of American Futurism. Why is this? In terms of overall influence on the field the USA has been pre-eminent. There are more futurists, futures consultants, Science Fiction writers and the like in America than, perhaps, in the rest of the world put together. This reflects the fact that, in general, America’s culture of innovation has long been identified with ‘the future’. It constantly spins off new ideas, products and systems to the rest of the world and, overall, contributes to its cultural, economic and military hegemony.
