America Abroad: Why the Sole Superpower Should Not Pull Back from the World
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Author Description
A decade and a half of exhausting wars, punishing economic setbacks, and fast-rising rivals has called into question America's fundamental position and purpose in world politics. Will the US continue to be the only superpower in the international system? Should it continue advancing the world-shaping grand strategy it has followed since the Cold War? Or should it focus on internal problems? America Abroad takes stock of these debates and provides a powerful defense of American globalism. Since the end of World War Two, world politics has been shaped by two constants: America's position as the most powerful state, and its strategic choice to be deeply engaged in the world. But if America disengages from the world and reduces its footprint overseas, core US security and economic interests would be jeopardized. While America should remain globally engaged, it has to focus primarily on its core interests or run the risk of overextension. A bracing rejoinder to the critics of American globalism-a more potent force than ever in the Trump era-America Abroad is a powerful reminder that a robust American presence is crucial for maintaining world order.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates whether the United States should maintain its position as the world's sole superpower or pivot toward isolationism in response to domestic challenges and shifting global dynamics. The authors, Stephen G. Brooks and William C. Wohlforth, utilize historical analysis and geopolitical theory to argue that continued American global engagement is necessary to protect national security and economic interests. They propose a strategy of 'deep engagement' that balances international presence with a focus on core strategic priorities to avoid the pitfalls of overextension.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Analysis of post-World War II international order and American strategic choices
- Evaluation of the economic and security risks associated with US disengagement
- Framework for a sustainable 'deep engagement' grand strategy
Scope Limits
- Does not provide a detailed tactical guide for specific military operations
- Does not focus on domestic social policy outside of its impact on foreign relations
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts in international relations frequently cite this work as a rigorous defense of liberal hegemony and a necessary counterpoint to contemporary isolationist arguments. Readers often note the academic clarity of the prose, which makes complex geopolitical theory accessible to both students and policy practitioners.
Page Count:
296
Publication Date:
2018-04-01
ISBN-10:
0190692162
ISBN-13:
9780190692162
History
International relations
Foreign Policy
Geopolitics