The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism (American Empire Project)

The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism (American Empire Project)
by Andrew Bacevich

The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism (American Empire Project)
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Book Summary Information

Author: Andrew Bacevich
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2009-04-27
ISBN: 0805090169
Number of pages: 224
Publisher: Holt Paperbacks
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Book Reviews of The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism (American Empire Project)

Book Review: An eye opener
Summary: 4 Stars

I just finished reading this book and liked it very much. The message is by no means warm and pleasant, but it did an excellent job of communicating the mindset of those who are running this country. Some shocking revelations (to me, but I am not terribly well informed on these issues) come forth. The governing "elite" is busy trying to run the world, and using our military as their tool of choice. This explains a lot of things. Domestic spending (read between the lines: health care) is a threat if it gets in the way of military imperialism.

One thing I very much enjoy about the book is that it is non-partisan. The big issues hold constant as we have had democrats or republicans in the white house, and the recent jump to a democratic president has not changed all that much. So, who is running the country? Read the book and come to your own conclusions. It is refreshing to read a book that does not get on a bandwagon blaming "the other party" for all the problems.

A few things hold this book back from a 5 star rating. First and foremost is the authors habit of quoting Reinhold Niebuhr like an evangelical Christian quotes the bible. Clearly the author is infatuated with this guy, but I am left wondering "who is he and why should I care?". The other thing this book needs badly is a good introduction. Let's define for example just what we mean by "American exceptionalism" (or just plain vanilla exceptionalism for that matter). A quick peek online yields a succinct definition (thanks to wikipedia) in less than a minute, the book should do this. A good editor could have helped out. Rip out all the references to Niebuhr and use the space made available for a good introduction and the book would get 5 stars.

Bacevich certainly likes big words! That is OK, I like big words too - but he makes a point of using a lot of them. Feckless, risible, hegemony, and my favorite: obstreperous! I am going to read the book a second time (that is my highest endorsement) and compile a complete list. I decided some time ago to not hold back on using a big word when appropriate, but sometimes you have to decide whether it is your goal to impress, intimidate, or communicate.

Summary of The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism (American Empire Project)

?Andrew Bacevich speaks truth to power, no matter who?s in power, which may be why those of both the left and right listen to him.??Bill Moyers

An immediate New York Times bestseller, The Limits of Power offers an unparalleled examination of the profound triple crisis facing America: an economy in disarray that can no longer be fixed by relying on expansion abroad; a government transformed by an imperial presidency into a democracy in name only; and an engagement in endless wars that has severely undermined the body politic.

Writing with knowledge born of experience, conservative historian and former military officer Andrew J. Bacevich argues that if the nation is to solve its predicament, it will need the revival of a distinctly American approach: the neglected tradition of realism. In contrast to the multiple illusions that have governed American policy since 1945, he calls for respect for power and its limits; aversion to claims of exceptionalism; skepticism of easy solutions, especially those involving force; and a conviction that Americans must live within their means. Only a return to such principles, Bacevich eloquently argues, can provide common ground for fixing America?s urgent problems before the damage becomes irreparable.

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