Colossus

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, Economic Conditions, International, International Relations, History, Americas, United States
Cover of the book Colossus by Niall Ferguson, Penguin Publishing Group
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Niall Ferguson ISBN: 9781101666791
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group Publication: March 29, 2005
Imprint: Penguin Books Language: English
Author: Niall Ferguson
ISBN: 9781101666791
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Publication: March 29, 2005
Imprint: Penguin Books
Language: English

Is America an empire? Certainly not, according to our government. Despite the conquest of two sovereign states in as many years, despite the presence of more than 750 military installations in two thirds of the world’s countries and despite his stated intention "to extend the benefits of freedom...to every corner of the world," George W. Bush maintains that "America has never been an empire." "We don’t seek empires," insists Defense Secretary Rumsfeld. "We’re not imperialistic."

Nonsense, says Niall Ferguson. In Colossus he argues that in both military and economic terms America is nothing less than the most powerful empire the world has ever seen. Just like the British Empire a century ago, the United States aspires to globalize free markets, the rule of law, and representative government. In theory it’s a good project, says Ferguson. Yet Americans shy away from the long-term commitments of manpower and money that are indispensable if rogue regimes and failed states really are to be changed for the better. Ours, he argues, is an empire with an attention deficit disorder, imposing ever more unrealistic timescales on its overseas interventions. Worse, it’s an empire in denial—a hyperpower that simply refuses to admit the scale of its global responsibilities. And the negative consequences will be felt at home as well as abroad. In an alarmingly persuasive final chapter Ferguson warns that this chronic myopia also applies to our domestic responsibilities. When overstretch comes, he warns, it will come from within—and it will reveal that more than just the feet of the American colossus is made of clay.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Is America an empire? Certainly not, according to our government. Despite the conquest of two sovereign states in as many years, despite the presence of more than 750 military installations in two thirds of the world’s countries and despite his stated intention "to extend the benefits of freedom...to every corner of the world," George W. Bush maintains that "America has never been an empire." "We don’t seek empires," insists Defense Secretary Rumsfeld. "We’re not imperialistic."

Nonsense, says Niall Ferguson. In Colossus he argues that in both military and economic terms America is nothing less than the most powerful empire the world has ever seen. Just like the British Empire a century ago, the United States aspires to globalize free markets, the rule of law, and representative government. In theory it’s a good project, says Ferguson. Yet Americans shy away from the long-term commitments of manpower and money that are indispensable if rogue regimes and failed states really are to be changed for the better. Ours, he argues, is an empire with an attention deficit disorder, imposing ever more unrealistic timescales on its overseas interventions. Worse, it’s an empire in denial—a hyperpower that simply refuses to admit the scale of its global responsibilities. And the negative consequences will be felt at home as well as abroad. In an alarmingly persuasive final chapter Ferguson warns that this chronic myopia also applies to our domestic responsibilities. When overstretch comes, he warns, it will come from within—and it will reveal that more than just the feet of the American colossus is made of clay.

More books from Penguin Publishing Group

Cover of the book Jenni Rivera (Spanish Edition) by Niall Ferguson
Cover of the book The Portable Walt Whitman by Niall Ferguson
Cover of the book Maigret's Revolver by Niall Ferguson
Cover of the book Your House Is on Fire, Your Children All Gone by Niall Ferguson
Cover of the book Why Smart Executives Fail by Niall Ferguson
Cover of the book Back Story by Niall Ferguson
Cover of the book Naked Edge by Niall Ferguson
Cover of the book Darkborn by Niall Ferguson
Cover of the book Pie A La Murder by Niall Ferguson
Cover of the book Angel at Dawn by Niall Ferguson
Cover of the book It Takes a Parent by Niall Ferguson
Cover of the book The End Game by Niall Ferguson
Cover of the book King Lear by Niall Ferguson
Cover of the book The Mythology of Supernatural by Niall Ferguson
Cover of the book Once Upon an Autumn Eve by Niall Ferguson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy