Author:Andrew Bacevich, Eric Conger Binding: Audio CD Published: 2008-10-14 ISBN: 1427206880 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
"Finally, someone who can think critically!"
"Superb"
"Bacevich"
"Every American should read this book!"
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Editorial Review:
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.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Finally, someone who can think critically! First of all, this is a must read book for any historian, political scientist, or public servant. After having lived nine years in Germany and England myself, I arrived back in the U.S. in 2004 to "shock and awe" at how pedantic and manipulative the politcal process in the U.S. had become (perhaps it was me that had changed and not the political process?). For one thing, W. was elected by scaring people into voting for him. This most recent political debate has been no less frustrating for me. Despite what... more info
Superb Couldn't set this down. Three things make it special: 1) The biography and credentials of the author: West Point grad; retired Army Colonel; Boston University professor; father of a Lieutenant killed in Iraq.
2) The compact and lively writing: no point is made without facts and examples, but no point is flogged to death.
3) The observations about America's culture, politics, history, ideology, that are woven into judgements on the state of our nation. The anti-Bush crowd loves this... more info
Bacevich 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.
Every American should read this book! An insightful look at the direction of the US political & military machine. A short and quick read yet doesn't skimp on detail.
