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

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 Americas urgent problems before the damage becomes irreparable.

“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.

the Washington Post - Robert G. Kaiser

this Compact, Meaty Volume Ought To Be On The Reading List Of Every Candidate For National Office—house, Senate Or The White House—in November's Elections. In An Age Of Cant And Baloney, Andrew Bacevich Offers A Bracing Slap Of Reality…bacevich Is Not Running For Office, So He Is Willing To Speak Bluntly To His Countrymen About Their Selfishness, Their Hubris, Their Sanctimony And The Grave Problems They Now Face…the Limits Of Power Is A Dense Book But Gracefully Written And Easy To Read. It Is Chockablock With Provocative Ideas And Stern Judgments. Bacevich's Brand Of Intellectual Assuredness Is Rare In Today's Public Debates. Many Of Our Talking Heads And Commentators Are Cocksure, Of Course, But Few Combine Confidence With Knowledge And Deep Thought The Way Bacevich Does Here.

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. Introduction : War Without Exits -- The Crisis Of Profligacy -- The Political Crisis -- The Military Crisis -- Conclusion : The Limits Of Power. Andrew J. Bacevich. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [183]-194) And Index.

"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.

Bacevich traces how America's messianic exceptionalism coupled with the rise of the military from Truman on has lead to the current dismal relationship between America and the world. Introduction : war without exits The crisis of profligacy The political crisis The military crisis Conclusion : the limits of power. Notes Acknowledgements Index