The Imperial Tense: Prospects and Problems of American Empire

Rating:
Summary: Debating the American Empire
Review: The debate on the American Empire takes place on several levels simultaneously: on one axis is the question of whether America is an empire, and if so, what kind of empire is it? It is obviously different from past empires because it is hardly territorial; but it still exerts its influence in ways that Rome or Britain would have found unimaginable. On another other axis rests the issue of the impact of the American imperium: is it a force for peace and stability or upheaval and destruction? Then, there is an issue of strategy: how should American policymakers conduct their affairs? What should citizens do?

These are some of the questions addressed in "The Imperial Tense," a book edited by Andrew Bacevich, a professor of International Relations at Boston University. Mr. Bacevich is no stranger to empire. His book, American Empire, was widely acclaimed; its central argument was that, however in denial, America's commitment to empire is not only real but also a central component of its foreign policy. He now brings that expertise in collecting some of the finest perspectives on the problems and prospects of the American Empire.

The selections are diverse just as they insightful; David Rieff carves out the problems of humanitarian intervention; Deepek Lal writes to defend Empires; Charles Krauthammer praises America's unipolar era; David North admonishes America's drive for world domination; Peter Bender, Andrew Bacevich, Jedediah Purdy, David Marquand, James Chance, Martin Walker, Victor Davis Hanson all explore America's position as a unique empire; Josh Milblank, Stanley Hoffman, G. John Ikenberry, Charles Maier, Stephen Peter Rosen debate America's imperial strategies; and Wendell Berry, Gabriel Ash and James Kurth speculate on America's future.

Not all the pieces are great; but they are widely representative of the breadth and depth of the debate taking place about America's role as a global empire. Although the authors are mostly American, this hardly diminishes those parts of the book which cast a skeptical eye on the imperial enterprise. In the end, "The Imperial Tense" is one of the best books to bring together some of the most thoughtful articles on the American imperium. For that, and for its reference value, it is sure to be widely read and used.

Rating:
Summary: Invites debates and consideration of all sides
Review: This collection of arguments on compelling problems of America provides a range of viewpoints, invites debates and consideration of all sides, and surveys issues important to humanitarian causes. From assessments of American global domination and imperialist purposes in the world to its quest for security and expanded world influence, this provides an essential source of particular recommendation to high school and college-level courses on social issues.