Books : The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism
List Price: $24.00Amazon.com's Price: $14.40 You Save: $9.60 (40%)Prices subject to change.
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
This item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 320.973
EAN: 9780805088151
ISBN: 0805088156
Label: Metropolitan Books
Manufacturer: Metropolitan Books
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 224
Publication Date: August 05, 2008
Publisher: Metropolitan Books
Release Date: August 05, 2008
Sales Rank: 127
Studio: Metropolitan Books
Related Items:
Editorial Review:
Product Description:
From an acclaimed conservative historian and former military officer, a bracing call for a pragmatic confrontation with the nation's problems
The Limits of Power identifies a profound triple crisis facing America: the economy, in remarkable disarray, can no longer be fixed by relying on expansion abroad; the government, transformed by an imperial presidency, is a democracy in form only; U.S. involvement in endless wars, driven by a deep infatuation with military power, has been a catastrophe for the body politic. These pressing problems threaten all of us, Republicans and Democrats. If the nation is to solve its predicament, it will need the revival of a distinctly American approach: the neglected tradition of realism.
Andrew J. Bacevich, uniquely respected across the political spectrum, offers a historical perspective on the illusions that have governed American policy since 1945. The realism he proposes includes respect for power and its limits; sensitivity to unintended consequences; aversion to claims of exceptionalism; skepticism of easy solutions, especially those involving force; and a conviction that the books will have to balance. Only a return to such principles, Bacevich argues, can provide common ground for fixing America’s urgent problems before the damage becomes irreparable.
Average Rating: 
Rating:  -
I could not set this book down. Three things made it special:
1) The biography and credentials of the author: a West Point grad; retired Army Colonel; Boston College professor; and father of an Army Lieutenant recently killed in Iraq.
2) The writing, which is compact and lively. No point is made without many facts and examples, but no point is flogged to death.
3) The author's underlying ambivalence about America's culture, politics, history, ideology. He does not hate ... Read More
Rating: -
This book is a profound analysis of the shenanigans the outgoing administration played on the American public. As well as an honest criticism of our own shortcomings as citizens when we let policy makers lead us astray.
Rating: -
An insightful look at the direction of the US political & military machine. A short and quick read yet doesn't skimp on detail.
Rating: -
Fascinating book - and I'm not generally into politics. A must-read for all U.S. leaders. I only hope President Elect Obama has read it!
Rating: -
Col. Bacevich has written a tour de force that speaks the truth to power. Regardless your political leanings (I'm a moderate Democrat and military veteran), all American citizens should read this book. It will open your eyes.
|
