The Limits of Power

The End of American Exceptionalism

By: Andrew Bacevich

Narrated by: Eric Conger

Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

National security state

I love the obervation that the more the national security bureacracy screws up, the more money it gets -- 9/11, Iraq, etc. That virtually insures more screw ups.

Great Book.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Limits of Power to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

No characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

No scenes

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No.

Any additional comments?

This is an excellent book. It provides a clear and lucid analysis of U.S. attempts to extend power into regions and situations without a strategic plan.

Unexpected level of agreement

Arguments are well considered. Cogently presented. Thoughtful. Deserves your attention. I enjoyed it. Thought-provoking.

Thought Provoking

This book explains the problems clearly, but without suggesting solutions. I’d like to see proposed solutions and a plan.

Repetitive/Close-minded/One-sided

Since I had to read this book for a class, and the audio book came in a package with the book, I had hoped to get a better understanding of the book by listening to it. I like it less now, and didn't really care for it to begin with. The author cleary conducted his research, searching only for facts to support his theory/claims, and he liked to make broad claims about topics of which he obviously didn't know both did of the story.

I don't recommend the book or audio book.

Cliche ridden and inconsistent

This reads like a campaign speech by a Democrat who wants a position in the State Department but does not want to offend deficit hawks. Condemning the "imperial presidency" and the misadventure in Iraq, the author also condemns domestic spending, e.g. on Medicare and Social Security. These positions are certainly arguable but this work merely states strong and sometimes inconsistent opinions with no idea about alternatives nor facts to provide back-up.

Examples of inconsistency: the author cannot seem to decide if the imperial presidency is inevitable or an abuse of power; if the Congress or the Bush administration is more venal; if intervention is worse than diplomatic engagement.

The air of righteousness is out of tune for what is an essentially centrist tract. I cannot see how anyone, up to speed with foreign or security policy or not, could learn anything here -- except the author's opinions.