Description
Book SynopsisThis compelling and persuasive book is the first to explore all of the interrelated aspects of America''s decline. Hard-hitting and provocative, yet measured and clearly written, The End of the American Century demonstrates the phases of social, economic, and international decline that mark the end of a period of world dominance that began with World War II. The costs of the war on terror and the Iraq War have exacerbated the already daunting problems of debt, poverty, inequality, and political and social decay. David S. Mason convincingly argues that the United States, like other great powers in the past, is experiencing the dilemma of imperial overstretchbankrupting the home front in pursuit of costly and fruitless foreign ventures. The author shows that elsewhere in the world, the United States is no longer admired as a model for democracy and economic development; indeed, it is often feared or resented. He compares the United States and its accomplishments with other industrializ
Trade ReviewThis is a well-written, engaging, and impressive work in scope and integration. The End of the American Century provides the information and analysis for the informed discussion and debate about our economic and political problems that must take place as we face the monumental decisions that will decide our fate over the coming generations. It should be read by all who share a deep concern for the American future, but especially by young people who must live in it. -- James R. Kluegel, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
With remarkable clarity and evenness of tone, Mason's text provokes students to think out loud together about what it means to be American in the world today, and how a range of interconnected issues, conventionally ignored in more orthodox IR, are directly relevant to their future lives. I’m excited about teaching with this book. -- Mark Rupert, Syracuse University
Well designed and thoroughly argued. The author does a splendid job of backing up every one of his assertions. This book has an enormous amount to say and deserves a wide audience. -- Mark Gibney, University of North Carolina at Asheville, and Lund University and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute
Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Beginning and End of the American Century Chapter 1: Imperial Overstretch and Economic Decline Chapter 2: The End of Affluence and Equality Chapter 3: Torn Social Fabric: Inadequate Health Care, Violent Crime Chapter 4: The Dimming of America: Education, Science, and Fundamentalism Chapter 5: Ailing American Democracy Chapter 6: Abandoning International Order Chapter 7: Last Gasp of U.S. Supremacy: The Iraq War and Terrorism Chapter 8: The World Sours on the United States Chapter 9: America's New Rivals: Europe, China, and Others Chapter 10: America and the World after the American Century
