Washington Rules : Americas Path to Permanent War

English

Series: American Empire Project Ser.

ISBN: 0805091416

EAN: 9780805091410

Category: History / Military / United States/Social Science / General/Political Science / International Relations / General/

Publisher: Holt & Company, Henry

Release Date: 08/03/2010

Synopsis: The bestselling author of The Limits of Powercritically examines the Washington consensus on national security and why it must change For the last half century, as administrations have come and gone, the fundamental assumptions about Americas military policy have remained unchanged: American security requires the United States (and us alone) to maintain a permanent armed presence around the globe, to prepare our forces for military operations in far-flung regions, and to be ready to intervene anywhere at any time. In the Obama era, just as in the Bush years, these beliefs remain unquestioned gospel. In a vivid, incisive analysis, Andrew J. Bacevich succinctly presents the origins of this consensus, forged at a moment when American power was at its height. He exposes the preconceptions, biases, and habits that underlie our pervasive faith in military might, especially the notion that overwhelming superiority will oblige others to accommodate Americas needs and desires - whether for cheap oil, cheap credit, or cheap consumer goods. And he challenges the usefulness of our militarism asit has become both unaffordable and increasingly dangerous. Though our politicians deny it, American global might is faltering. This is the moment, Bacevich argues, to reconsider the principles which shape American policy in the world - to acknowledge that fixing Afghanistan should not take precedence over fixing Detroit. Replacing this Washington consensus is crucial to Americas future, and may yet offer the key to the countrys salvation.

Washington Rules : Americas Path to Permanent War

Illustrated: No

Format: Hardcover

Height: 1.0 inches

Width: 6.12 inches

Length: 8.6 inches

Weight: 14.92 oz

Pages: 304