The limits of power
Subtitle: the end of American exceptionalism
By: Andrew J. Bacevich.
Edition: 1st Holt pbk. ed.
Publisher: Metropolitan Books/Henry Holt and Company
Published: 2009
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 213
ISBN-13: 9780805090161
Subjects: Power (Social sciences) -- United States; United States -- Politics and government -- 1993-2001; United States -- Politics and government -- 2001-2009
Description: 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.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [190]-201) and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction : war without exits; title: The crisis of profligacy; title: The political crisis; title: The military crisis; title: Conclusion : the limits of power.