On Empire: America, War, and Global Supremacy

Excellently written, but lacking in content. This 90-page, pocket-size book consists of four essays, which on their own are strong, but because Hobsbawm repeats similar themes and statistics in all four pieces, it becomes slightly redundant. On the other hand, unlike Chalmers Johnson's "Nemesis" (another great book on the topic of empires chock full of fascinating tidbits), "On Empire" takes a fairly even hand in analysing the issues. Overall, it's a fast and enjoyable read that covers a pertinent topic in international affairs today.

After the tragedy of 9/11 the USA got an outpouring of sympathy and support from the citizens and governments of nations all over the world. Seven years later, the USA has achieved virtual pariah status around the world. They hate us now. What happened? Hobsbawm is an eminent British historian now living in his 10th decade. He has seen the 20th Century unfold. This collection of essays was taken from speeches he has made since 2001. They go a long way toward explaining how the Bush administration squandered the good will once felt toward us. Bottom line: our aggressive and immoral attacks on other nations poisoned viewpoints around the world. The US is seen as a rogue nation bent on imperial rule and domination of weaker countries. We are hated now.