The Limits of Power

The End of American Exceptionalism

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government
Cover of the book The Limits of Power by Andrew J. Bacevich, Henry Holt and Co.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Andrew J. Bacevich ISBN: 9781429929684
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. Publication: August 5, 2008
Imprint: Metropolitan Books Language: English
Author: Andrew J. Bacevich
ISBN: 9781429929684
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Publication: August 5, 2008
Imprint: Metropolitan Books
Language: English

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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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.

More books from Henry Holt and Co.

Cover of the book Bravo! by Andrew J. Bacevich
Cover of the book Cool Creations in 35 Pieces by Andrew J. Bacevich
Cover of the book City in the Sky by Andrew J. Bacevich
Cover of the book The Elephant Whisperer (Young Readers Adaptation) by Andrew J. Bacevich
Cover of the book The Tending Instinct by Andrew J. Bacevich
Cover of the book Tides of War by Andrew J. Bacevich
Cover of the book Every Day and All the Time by Andrew J. Bacevich
Cover of the book The New York Times Essential Library: Opera by Andrew J. Bacevich
Cover of the book Superficial by Andrew J. Bacevich
Cover of the book Smoking by Andrew J. Bacevich
Cover of the book Kabul in Winter by Andrew J. Bacevich
Cover of the book When March Went Mad by Andrew J. Bacevich
Cover of the book The Bates Method for Better Eyesight Without Glasses by Andrew J. Bacevich
Cover of the book Spies by Andrew J. Bacevich
Cover of the book Science's Trickiest Questions by Andrew J. Bacevich
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy