The Limits of Power

The End of American Exceptionalism

By: Andrew Bacevich

Narrated by: Eric Conger

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.

©2008 Andrew Bacevich (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"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." ( Publishers Weekly)

great critique; dubious conclusions

Great takedown of post 9/11 foreign policy and military strategy. Criticizing politicians is easy but political correctness of the conservative type has made anything but gushing praise of military leadership toxic, so that part his analysis is rare and insightful. He does an excellent job pointing out fallacies in popular arguments/excuses (e.g. "the generals need more power" or "bring back the draft so we aren't so cavalier about starting wars"), but the presentation was hard to follow and at times I wasn't sure if he was making HIS argument or laying out another in order to then critique it. It probably is easier to follow in the text version as opposed to audio. The book was anticlimactic for me as his proposal to redirect resources away from wars against ideologies and toward wars against earth's climate is a non sequitur. The left exploits irrational fears of death and destruction by climate change in exactly the same way the right exploits irrational fears of terrorism. The proper role of government is not to assuage fears, it is to protect natural rights, especially from those who use fear to convince people they'd rather "feel safe" than have rights.

Great Book!

This was one of the best and most important
books I've read all year. Really put the world --
and the US role in it -- in perspective.

Every American Must Read this Book

This is the most thoughtful analysis of the terrible mess we are in and gives some insight into how we might get out of it. Bacevich is a genius.

Thorough

Excellent and insightful survey of the war on terror. This book provides possible non-military solutions to containing enemies of America: a breath of fresh air.

very powerful and informative

the narrator is amazing, the writing is amazing, and the political analysis and use of "prophecies" are very on the point of what is happening today in modern America.

Excellent, and scary.

must read for those that care about the USA and our next generations. thank you

Truth about the path, as a nation, we are on

Twelve years ago I caught (by luck) an episode of Bill Moyers with his guest, Mr. Bacevich. The next morning I was standing in line at Borders to buy this book and the people on either side of me were doing the same.
An honest, realistic, and compelling analysis of the history of our country of the past 40 years from Carter to George Jr., a story about my government I had misunderstood until I found this book Though originally published in 2008, it is all the more relevant today as we can see that 12 years hence we are still moving in the wrong direction, today we are still so unwilling to be honest with ourselves about who we are as individuals and as a nation. I’m really glad I came back and read it again.

Author's anger takes away from message

Several times while listening to the audiobook, I was tempted to stop. The author's anger contrasts with his roll model, Reinhold Niehbur, lacking Niehbur's compassion and objectivity. Thus, rather than being inspirational, the experience of
Listening was depressing and I cannot recommend to
Friends. However, the content, as opposed to the tone, was valuable. I also feel that the narrator was flat and added to the depressing quality.

Excellent

Great summary of the defects of the national security state. There's a fundamental need for Americans to be self disciplined to be energy self-reliant. Until we are energy self-reliant is American policy to find radical Islam

THE LIMITS OF POWER

THE LIMITS OF POWER..... MOST ENTERTAINING AND THE QUESTION REMAINS..... JUST WHO IS/ARE AT FAULT FOR OUR PROBLEMS