Washington Rules: America’s Path to Permanent War Audiobook (Free)

The bestselling writer of The Limits of Power critically examines the Washington consensus on country wide security and why it must change

Going back half century, as administrations attended and gone, the fundamental assumptions about America’s military policy have continued to be unchanged: American security requires the United States (and us alone) to keep up a permanent armed existence around the world, to get ready our forces for military functions in far-flung areas, and to prepare yourself to intervene about Washington Rules: America’s Way to Permanent War anywhere at any time. In the Obama period, just like in the Bush years, these beliefs stay unquestioned gospel.

In a vibrant, incisive analysis, Andrew J. Bacevich succinctly presents the origins of the consensus, forged at an instant when American power was at its elevation. He exposes the preconceptions, biases, and practices that underlie our pervasive beliefs in military might, especially the idea that overwhelming superiority will oblige others to accommodate America’s needs and desires-whether for inexpensive oil, cheap credit, or cheap consumer items. And he challenges the effectiveness of our militarism as it has become both unaffordable and increasingly dangerous.

Though our politicians deny it, American global might is faltering. This is the instant, Bacevich argues, to reconsider the concepts which form American policy in the world-to acknowledge that fixing Afghanistan should not take precedence over repairing Detroit. Replacing this Washington consensus is essential to America’s potential, and may yet offer the key to the country’s salvation.