The American Way of Strategy: U.S. Foreign Policy and the American Way of Life

I recommend Michael Lind's book for anyone, short on time, who wants to understand the general consistency of American security policy at least up through the end of the cold war. Beyond the cold war, this book describes history in the making which will certainly be subject to multiple interpretations as it solidifies over time. For anyone asking the question "Where is America going?" and Where should America be going?" The American Way of Strategy will give you much to think about. These questions are not suitable for sound bites and partisan politics should have no role here. These are serious, deep, but also practical issues. Mr. Lind's excellent history and creative analyses has provided me with an excellent framework with which to deal with them. You will enjoy his book!

The first chapter alone justifies buying the book. Michael Lind's American Way of Strategy is essential to an understanding of long-term (200+ years) American security policy. The first chapter applies directly to America's true objectives in prosecuting the war on terror, particularly in regards to nuclear proliferation. I haven't been more enthralled with a book on this subject since Walter Russell Mead's Special Providence.