The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism
By Andrew Bacevich
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.
From Publishers Weekly
In this caustic critique of the growing American penchant for empire and sense of entitlement, Bacevich (The New American Militarism) examines the citizenry's complicity in the current economic, political, and military crisis. A retired army colonel, the author efficiently pillories the recent performance of the armed forces, decrying it as an expression of domestic dysfunction, with leaders and misguided strategies ushering the nation into a global war of no exits and no deadlines. Arguing that the tendency to blame solely the military or the Bush administration is as illogical as blaming Herbert Hoover for the Great Depression, Bacevich demonstrates how the civilian population is ultimately culpable; in citizens' appetite for unfettered access to resources, they have tacitly condoned the change of military service from a civic function into an economic enterprise. Crisp prose, sweeping historical analysis and searing observations on the roots of American decadence elevate this book from mere scolding to an urgent call for rational thinking and measured action, for citizens to wise up and put their house in order. (Sept. 1)
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Review
“In this utterly original book, Andrew Bacevich explains how our ‘empire of consumption’ contains the seeds of its own destruction and why our foreign policy establishment in Washington is totally incapable of coming to grips with it. Indispensable reading for every citizen.”—Chalmers Johnson, author of the Blowback Trilogy
"A clear-eyed look into the abyss of America's failed wars, and the analysis needed to climb out. In Andrew Bacevich, realism and moral vision meet."—James Carroll, author of House of War
“In The Limits of Power, Andrew Bacevich takes aim at America’s culture of exceptionalism and scores a bulls eye. He reminds us that we can destroy all that we cherish by pursuing an illusion of indestructibility.”—Lt. Gen. Bernard E. Trainor USMC (Ret.), co-author of The General’s War and Cobra II
“Andrew Bacevich has written a razor sharp dissection of the national myths which befuddle U.S. approaches to the outside world and fuel the Washington establishment’s dangerous delusions of omnipotence. His book should be read by every concerned US citizen.”—Anatol Lieven, author of America Right or Wrong: An Anatomy of American Nationalism
“In The Limits of Power, Andrew Bacevich delivers precisely what the Republic has so desperately needed: an analysis of America's woes that goes beyond the villain of the moment, George W. Bush, and gets at the heart of the delusions that have crippled the country's foreign policy for decades. Bacevich writes with a passionate eloquence and moral urgency that makes this book absolutely compelling. Everyone should read it.”—Mark Danner, author of Torture and Truth: America, Abu Ghraib, and the War on Terror
About the Author
Andrew J. Bacevich, a professor of history and international relations at Boston University, retired from the U.S. Army with the rank of colonel. He is the author of The New American Militarism, among other books. His writing has appeared in Foreign Affairs, The Atlantic Monthly, The Nation, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. He is the recipient of a Lannan award and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Reviews
Scary!!!
I saw this man on Bill Moyers last night and found myself agreeing with his analysis of the situation here in the U.S. I found his mind to be extraordinary in his delivery and organization of what has lead to our current situation and the disastrous results that it will ultimately have on our country. I think most people don't see it (or want to) because they are too busy and stressed out. When it really starts to impact our us then you're going to start to see a lot of chaos happen. Actually, it's already started. Americans are in a precarious situation with their over-consumption habits. I think of over-consumption as an addiction. The spiral is: I work-I buy-I owe-so I work(because I have to) and I buy(because I deserve a reward)and I owe because people have taught me that this is how I handle the situation(stress). It's already happening people. Because Americans are stuck in this cycle we don't and can't be bothered by such things as wife, family or community issues like mental illness and crime. So, as your life falls apart (because there are other things that need upkeep besides your work) you feel the need to purchase things to lift you back up. I have a very, very, Marxist view about this spiral. I believe that this is encouraged and manipulated by those in power (government, capitalism) so that the power in our government and big business becomes more centralized. To make matters worse, citizens don't have the time or energy to thwart it. The government doesn't want to go through the work of what a Democracy demands of them (negotiation, communication). People today are so busy that many don't even care anymore and many more have guilt about what they are not putting first in their lives. You can see this happening now in the family. It goes like this: I'm too busy to invest spiritually and emotionally but I can encourage you to share in what I do have, which is money. So now the family is a purchased commodity. This is what happens when people can't stand up for what is right. It's short term thinking and doesn't hold up in the long run. The US has become so arrogant that it thinks it can take this thinking outside its borders. Fat chance that's going to happen. So what is the solution? If people decided not to let there jobs dictate how they live there lives and who they put first in their lives, then the companies would have to listen because they need workers. Big problem now with this is the move towards globalization. Now Americans don't even have any bargaining power of leverage. So, I don't really have any solutions-just the awareness that somehow we are all screwed.
Author interviewed on Bill Moyer's broadcast 8/15/08
After listening to the interview I want to read this book. I'd like to see this author with more exposure to the media. Americans need to listen to these ideas.
