February 27, 2011
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The Limits of Power (and a New Idea)
Here’s the review for that book that I was talking about a few days ago (The Limits of Power by Andrew Bacevich:
American exceptionalism is the idea that the United States is unique and different from other countries and should be an example for other places in the world. This idea has become something of legends through global politics. Andrew Bacevich points out that this idea of exceptionalism along with our expansionist history and the idea of wanting instant gratification have hurt our country (full disclosure: I tend to agree with him).
Bacevich runs through some American history (focusing mostly on the latter part of the century). He also focuses a lot on the differences between the Carter and Reagan presidency. Carter spoke of self-restraint, using less resources (remember he would have been speaking about the energy crisis) and being more responsible. He was seen as talking down to a lot of Americans. Reagan, on the other hand, was essentially Mr. Everything’s Gonna Be Alright saying that everyone should be able to get what they want and setting the stage for some of the things that the country faced in the 90s and even 2000s.
Bacevich also discusses a lot about the implication of the military on foreign policy, something that I’m particularly interested in. He offers up the idea that some believe that military power counters uncertainty and how this unchecked military growth can potentially harm what goals we are trying to reach with our foreign policy. I think particularly in the past decade, this has most definitely been seen. Bacevich includes this quote (which really gets at the point) by Winston Churchill:
“A statesman who yields to war fever is no longer the master of policy, but the slave of unforseeable and uncontrollable events.”I definitely do not agree with everything that Bacevich had to say but I do believe that he had a lot of good points. It was especially interesting to read the book knowing that Bacevich is former military and I almost feel that coming from that background made what he had to say even more interesting. I’d recommend this book to anyone that has an interest in politics, military strategy and foreign policy.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
(Posted originally at Goodreads)
Also, I’m strongly considering starting a book review only blog (probably through Blogspot or WordPress). I’ve been talking to a few people about doing something like that. I think it would be a lot of fun. And not to worry, I’m not leaving Xanga (how could I ever???). The book blogging would be in addition to Xanga blogging.
Do any of you read book blogs? What do you like about them? What makes a good book blog?
Comments (11)
Wow, looks like a book I would like to read on. I think, in my perspective as a Canadian, I too would agree with what he has said.
Sounds like an interesting read. Maybe I should pick up the book one of these days.
I think it would be interesting to read reviews of books. To be honest, because I spend so much time reading battletech or course related material, I am pretty much clueless as to what the hot book is until it has pretty much become a movie…
Sounds like a good read. I think America is most likely running the standard historical trajectory of countries that are the super powers of the day- believing that the “rules” don’t apply to them because of their status, which results in their inevitable decline. I have no doubt that the Romans and Greeks would also liken to the idea of “exceptionalism” in describing their countries back in the day when they were numero uno.
I don’t seek out book blogs, but usually get my review info from Amazon. If someone I’m subscribed to or follow reviews a book though, I’ll read it.
Great review, Meg. I had not heard about or read this book. You have piqued my interest. I would love to read it.
I have never been to any book blogs. I love to read books, and would love to be with you if you start a book review club on xanga or elsewhere. You would have to spell all the details to me though.
Oh btw, I forgot to tell you about The Lotus Eaters. I lOVED it. It was so raw and had such a tremendous message about the ravages of not just the Vietnam war, but any war.
Sounds like a good read! I don’t read many book blogs, but I do read some. They just have to capture my attention by connecting it to day to day life.
For book blogs, I want to have the blogger’s take on the book reviewed, but still give very little about the plot.
I loved this review. Just got my boyfriend’s sister hooked on Goodreads.
My mom/travelerblue also asked recently about book blogs or at least a Xanga book club. *is giddy*
@Mal_P - He basically argues for a realist perspective, which I really like.
@Rob_of_the_Sky - You should. It’s a pretty short book (less than 200 pages, I think) but it packs a punch.
@Redshirte - @throughsamseyes - @Rainboxx - @BoureeMusique - I’ll let you guys know if I go through with my book blog idea
@SoullFire - Agreed. I really appreciated how the author tried to illustrate the presence of exceptionalism even before we became the hegemon that we are currently. He ties the idea of the country’s expansion through philosophies such as “Manifest Destiny” to our current idea of self-greatness.
@ZSA_MD - Yay! I’m glad to hear that you liked the book. I definitely thought it was very powerful as well.
Interesting… I’ve seen various talk shows where (mostly) Republicans talk about it as if it’s un-American to disagree with American exceptionalism. It almost seems, if I’m American, then I must be right. And if I’m right, then you must be wrong.
@ElusiveWords - Yeah, it really bothers me how there are so many trappings of politics that are either seen as being one way or being the opposite way. Not everything is black and white. I wish politicians would look more at the gray areas!