Edition |
1st ed. |
Description |
206 p. ; 22 cm. |
Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (p. [183]-194) and index. |
Contents |
Introduction : war without exits -- The crisis of profligacy -- The political crisis -- The military crisis -- Conclusion : the limits of power. |
Summary |
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.--From publisher description. |
Subject |
United States -- Politics and government -- 1993-2001.
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United States -- Politics and government -- 2001-
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Power (Social sciences) -- United States.
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ISBN |
0805088156 |
|
9780805088151 |
Standard No. |
AU@ 000042791817 |
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