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.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Aftermath of reading Limits of Power
I think more American Citizens should read "LIMITS OF POWER" to be enlightened about what has happened to our Country. My own fears were confirmed when reading this book. Whether it is too late or not, we, who love our Country, must act to try and get our government back to being The Great Republic that it was created to be. The Elected Officials in Washington care only about themselves and gaining power and wealth. They do not do the bidding of the American People and waste our hard earned tax... more info
Factually true, logically weak Most of the facts that Andrew Bacevich puts forth are quite true. The central core of the book, the weakness of the idea of American exceptionalism, is indeed valid. That excptionaism and the resulting imperialist tendencies make American government more of a threat to American citizens and society, and actually the whole world, than most foreign powers. Even though he gets that right, it is based on some misunderstandings which only serve to bring him to some misguided conclusions. His premise is... more info
The Limits of Power Great book although depressing to see where we have been and what we need to do. A must read regardless of your political leanings. Shows Congress is as much to blame as our presidents when it comes to war policy due to abdication of their responsibilities.
Best Political Insight In Years In this short book, Bacevich gets right to the point--the American way of life since post-WWII can best be described as the desperate drive for "more"; this penchant for more drives our foreign policy, threatens our economic stability and national security, and profoundly affects how we are perceived around the globe. This book is not preachy. I read lots of political works, but this one, more so than any book in the last several years, really made me see myself, as well as my country, from a fresh... more info
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