Defiant Superpower: The New American Hegemony

DEFIANT SUPERPOWER tells of how the Bush administration took initial bold steps in response to 9/11, but then continued aggressive policies that alarmed the world by 2002. This book assesses that hegemony, considering the requirements of homeland security, global order, and American political and economic needs alike as it analyzes alliances, international organizations, and traditional methods of international politics affected by the Bush administration's routines. Any college-level holding strong in international relations needs the insights of DEFIANT SUPERPOWER, perfect for classroom discussion. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

In this book the author analyses the actions of the United States in regards to President Bush changing certain fundamental aspects of foreigh policy. Specifically he looks at the actions of the United States in the wake of 9/11 and specifically the military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq. In these actions the United States operated independently with little of the trappings of foreign support as was done in the first Iraq war. To be sure, the world situation had changed. The Soviet Union, which created a bi-polar world, was no longer there. Both Russia and France, both members of the security council in the United Nations were getting oil from Iraq in exchange for weapons. The makeup of the United Nations had changed with the addition of many more islamic countries in the General Assembly. A vote to condemn Iraq was unlikely in either. Consequently Bush built a small coalition, Britain being a major player, and began military action which hasn't ended yet. These actions seem to represent a major and fundamental shift in American foreign policy. While it remains to be seen how this will play out over the years, it is clear that the world is operating in a different way than it did just a few years ago. Will the US, after the next election return to a previous view? Will the attitude of the US help to create a United States of Europe, although France, perhaps our most vocal critic voted against a European constitution? As with any book, this one reprsents a snapshot of the moment. But the snapshot it presents is timely, concise and interesting.