Nemesis : the last days of the American Republic /
Johnson, Chalmers A.
New York : Metropolitan Books,
2006.
In Blowback, Chalmers Johnson linked the CIA's clandestine activities abroad to disaster at home. In The Sorrows of Empire, he explored the ways in which the growth of American militarism has jeopardized our stability. Now, in Nemesis, he shows how imperial overstretch is undermining the republic itself, both economically and politically. Delving into new areas--from plans to militarize outer space to Constitution-breaking presidential activities at home and the corruption of a toothless Congress--Nemesis offers a description of the trap into which the dreams of America's leaders have taken us. Drawing comparisons to empires past, Johnson explores just what the unintended consequences of our dependence on a permanent war economy are likely to be. What does it mean when the globe's sole "hyperpower," no longer capable of paying for the ambitions of its leaders, becomes the greatest hyper-debtor of all times?--From publisher description.
Includes bibliographical references (p. [281]-331) and index.
In Blowback, Chalmers Johnson linked the CIA's clandestine activities abroad to disaster at home. In The Sorrows of Empire, he explored the ways in which the growth of American militarism has jeopardized our stability. Now, in Nemesis, he shows how imperial overstretch is undermining the republic itself, both economically and politically. Delving into new areas--from plans to militarize outer space to Constitution-breaking presidential activities at home and the corruption of a toothless Congress--Nemesis offers a description of the trap into which the dreams of America's leaders have taken us. Drawing comparisons to empires past, Johnson explores just what the unintended consequences of our dependence on a permanent war economy are likely to be. What does it mean when the globe's sole "hyperpower," no longer capable of paying for the ambitions of its leaders, becomes the greatest hyper-debtor of all times?--From publisher description.
Militarism and the breakdown of  Constitutional government -- Comparative imperial pathologies: Rome, Britain, and America -- Central Intelligence Agency: the president's private army -- U.S. military bases in other people's countries -- How American imperialism actually works: The SOFA in Japan -- Space: the ultimate imperialist project -- The crisis of the American republic.