This book looks at the impetus behind America's current military policies, which the author dubs the "Washington Rules". One such "rule", he states, is that having an army larger and more expensive than the rest of world combined is required in order to maintain an image of "global leadership" and to always appear to be in a quasi-state of war. He beautifully explains the mindset behind America's need to create policies and economies around war.
Unfortunately, he does not provide many ways to "fix" this current mindset. That's not to say its not an interesting read - its actually quite fascinating and I hope the people that run this country read it and learn from their past mistakes. They shouldn't try to rationalize war by making it seem as though it is required for peace.
After reading this book I believe that Bacevich is right, it is time that we learn from our past mistakes in an attempt not to perpetuate them any further. For instance, why are we focusing so much on the war overseas when we have so many problems right in front of our faces in our own country? The fact that Bacevich is a retired US Army Colonel gives his words a lot of weight, I just wish he spent a bit more time looking at possible solutions to these dilemmas.
Review Posted By tekwiz On 2010-09-21 At 18:57:26
