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The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism Audiobook
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(4.00) - 1,134 listener ratings
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"Andrew Bacevich speaks truth to power, no matter who's in power, which may be why those of both the left and right listen to him."—Bill Moyers An immediate New York Times bestseller, The Limits of Power offers an unparalleled examination of the profound triple crisis facing America: an economy in disarray that can no longer be fixed by relying on expansion abroad; a government transformed by an imperial presidency into a democracy in name only; and an engagement in endless wars that has severely undermined the body politic. Writing with knowledge born of experience, conservative historian and former military officer Andrew J. Bacevich argues that if the nation is to solve its predicament, it will need the revival of a distinctly American approach: the neglected tradition of realism. In contrast to the multiple illusions that have governed American policy since 1945, he calls for respect for power and its limits; aversion to claims of exceptionalism; skepticism of easy solutions, especially those involving force; and a conviction that Americans must live within their means. Only a return to such principles, Bacevich eloquently argues, can provide common ground for fixing America's urgent problems before the damage becomes irreparable.
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"Andrew Bacevich is usually billed as a "conservative historian," but you'd never know it from the way he excoriates the futility of the militaristic forays of recent administrations. Sample section heading: "Does Knowing Douglas Feith is Stupid Make Tommy Franks Smart?" Unmentioned is the fact that Bacevich's son was killed in the Iraq war, which may account for his intemperateness. This would also be a good book for Obama to read."
— Eric (4 out of 5 stars)
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“This compact, meaty volume ought to be on the reading list of every candidate for national office in November's elections. In an age of cant and baloney, Andrew Bacevich offers a bracing slap of reality. The Limits of Power is gracefully written and easy to read… chockablock with provocative ideas and stern judgments. Bacevich's brand of intellectual assuredness is rare in today's public debates. Many of our talking heads and commentators are cocksure, of course, but few combine confidence with knowledge and deep thought the way Bacevich does here. His big argument is elegant and powerful.
— The Washington Post -
Strongly felt and elegantly written… The Limits of Power is painfully clear-sighted and refreshingly uncontaminated by the conventional wisdom of Washington, D.C.
— The Economist -
Andrew Bacevich speaks truth to power, no matter who's in power, which may be why those of both the left and right listen to him.
— Bill Moyers -
Compelling.
— Lou Dobbs -
Bacevich is the real deal. A quiet, cool voice of sanity with his spare, rigorous and unfailing honest analyses of America's role in the world and deepening strategic predicaments. This book should be essential reading for every National Security Council staffer in the next Washington administration, be it Republican or Democratic. In any sane political system, Mr. Bacevich would be immediately recruited to run intelligence and research at the State Department or policymaking at the Pentagon. The Limits of Power is destined to stand as a lonely classic signpost pointing the way to any future hope of renewed international and political security for the American people.
— Martin Sieff, The Washington Times -
In this utterly original book, Andrew Bacevich explains how our ‘empire of consumption' contains the seeds of its own destruction and why our foreign policy establishment in Washington is totally incapable of coming to grips with it. Indispensable reading for every citizen.
— Chalmers Johnson, author of the Blowback Trilogy -
A clear-eyed look into the abyss of America's failed wars, and the analysis needed to climb out. In Andrew Bacevich, realism and moral vision meet.
— James Carroll, author of House of War -
In The Limits of Power, Andrew Bacevich takes aim at America's culture of exceptionalism and scores a bulls eye. He reminds us that we can destroy all that we cherish by pursuing an illusion of indestructibility.
— Lt. Gen. Bernard E. Trainor USMC (Ret.), co-author of The General's War and Cobra II -
Andrew Bacevich has written a razor sharp dissection of the national myths which befuddle U.S. approaches to the outside world and fuel the Washington establishment's dangerous delusions of omnipotence. His book should be read by every concerned US citizen.
— Anatol Lieven, author of America Right or Wrong: An Anatomy of American Nationalism -
In The Limits of Power, Andrew Bacevich delivers precisely what the Republic has so desperately needed: an analysis of America's woes that goes beyond the villain of the moment, George W. Bush, and gets at the heart of the delusions that have crippled the country's foreign policy for decades. Bacevich writes with a passionate eloquence and moral urgency that makes this book absolutely compelling. Everyone should read it.
— Mark Danner, author of Torture and Truth: America, Abu Ghraib, and the War on Terror
The Limits of Power Listener Reviews
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" This book is very strong in the analytical area: what is the problem with American foreign policy? But it is quite weak in prescription: What is to be done? "
— Paul, 2/17/2014 -
" This book is a critique of the American dream as currently imagined: global military supremacy, gluttonous pursuit of happiness and politicians that kowtow to public greed to ensure longevity in congress. The most interesting and important argument Bacevich makes, in my view, is that congress has ceded its role as a counterbalance to presidential power. It's not the best-written book--Bacevich makes a lot of unsubstantiated claims that should be passed off as his own opinion rather than accepted analysis and the counterarguments he makes in the conclusion could be better defined-- however, it is a very interesting, scary and coherent take on national security policy, American culture, and the challenges of the next generation. "
— Maya, 2/5/2014 -
" similar themes from "blowback" by chalmers johnson. one thing that stood out from this book was the author's take on the military draft. "
— Bob, 1/29/2014 -
" One of the few works by a well known conservative that makes sense. This is an excellent description of the repetitive mistakes the U.S. has made in international relations since World War II. Very good comparison of Henry Stimson v. James Forrestal, and the unfortunate legacy that Forrestal left. "
— Barbara, 1/23/2014 -
" Well, now that I am so thoroughly depressed about America's past, present, and future that I don't even want to vote tomorrow... "
— Rachel, 1/19/2014 -
" If you like Bush bashing (and I do) this book is for you. The author's attitude wears thin by the end, but he does make some points very clearly. "
— Robert, 10/19/2013 -
" I thought this was a powerful and well written book on where American culture is failing us. If only more people were listening... "
— Brian, 8/30/2013 -
" Excellent book outlining the triple American crisis of profligacy, political idiocy, and militarism run amuck. Not too long to read. "
— Benedette, 6/17/2013 -
" sobering, provocative "
— Geo, 6/10/2013 -
" A great exploration into our history and what may lie ahead in the future. The author asserts that much of what our government focuses on is actually a waste of time and money. I really enjoyed a historical view of how we became an imperial nation. "
— Rich, 5/3/2013 -
" An important book for Americans to read NOW and take to heart, especially in the wake of the debacle that was the Bush-Cheney hegemonic foreign policy. Extremely well-written and precise. Bacevich is from the military and a trained scholar and his knowledge and precision shine through every page. "
— Eileen, 2/16/2013 -
" Highly recommend this book for those who want to understand this country. "
— Mike, 4/2/2012 -
" I thought it was a good read. It largely echoed my own feelings and I'm not sure I got anything particularly new out of it though - no new data or deep insight. "
— John, 2/16/2012 -
" Good overview of American exceptionalism and how the U.S. has overextended itself, but got a bit boring with some of the history of the U.S. military in the second chapter. "
— Jason, 11/29/2011 -
" great insight for the 21st from a historian with a military understanding of the world. "
— Noushin, 6/19/2011 -
" Definitely a book I'd want to read through again. Brings up many different arguments and points of views. "
— Kristal, 5/4/2011 -
" awesome...read this one...everyone should read this...clear, well argued... "
— Jose, 3/15/2011 -
" Provides a good understanding of the U.S. pla ce in the world, the predicament we are in and what is needed to change it. Unfortunately our culture and politics make such change impossible. It will take a catastrophy to bring about change in my opinion. "
— Stan, 2/15/2011 -
" This was an interesting history of power in this country. It was surprisingly nonpartisan which I can appreciate. The book definitely kept my mind occupied this weekend while I was painting the bathroom (I got the book on cd). "
— Jessica, 1/14/2011 -
" Now I see why this book was so popular when it came out...such clear writing and analysis! "
— Lincoln, 11/10/2010 -
" This is an exceptional, sobering book. "
— Kimberly, 10/15/2010 -
" A succinct and rational examination of US foreign policy over the last century, laying out why it benefits the executive branch so much to keep us in a state of war, and culminating in the still mind-boggling idea of preventive war. "
— Curtis, 7/29/2010
About Andrew J. Bacevich
Andrew J. Bacevich is the author of several acclaimed books, including the New York Times bestseller The Limits of Power. His writings have appeared in the New York Times, the London Review of Books, and the American Conservative, among other publications. He served in the United States Army for twenty-three years and is a professor emeritus of history and international relations at Boston University. He is founder and president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a Washington think tank dedicated to foreign policy.
About Eric Conger
Eric Conger is a stage actor, voice artist, and award-winning audiobook narrator. He has narrated more than 125 fiction and nonfiction audiobooks and was a four-time finalist for the Audie Award, both as a sole narrator in 2007 and 2008 and as part of a multicast reading in 2001 and 2012. He has earned numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards. His extensive voice-over work includes more than 5,000 narrations for commercial ventures. A graduate of Wesleyan University and the University of Paris, he also works as a writer and playwright. He has appeared in over fifty plays and has also translated plays of Molière and Feydeau for regional theaters.