Defiant Superpower: The New American Hegemony

By Donald E. Nuechterlein

Book Overview

Donald E. Nuechterlein examines George W. Bush's transformation of American foreign policy and the repercussions for the future. "Defiant Superpower" recounts how the Bush administration's bold actions in response to September 11, 2001, toppled the Taliban and displayed American strength. But by 2002, much of the world, including our allies, had become alarmed by American assertiveness, particularly Bush's proclamation that America would pursue preventative wars to eliminate future threats. The divergence of national interests between the United States and old allies became acute in early 2003 when Germany and France openly rejected U.S. plans to invade Iraq and bring about regime change. While the Bush administration's defiant and unilateralist policies initially seemed to empower the United States to pursue its national interests, the pitfalls of this new American hegemony are now apparent. Occupying Iraq and engaging in a global "war on terror" are costly, in both human and economic terms, and the United States would benefit from broad-based international cooperation. Will Bush's reelection mean that the robust hegemony of his first term is here to stay, or will he moderate his style and objectives to mend fences with old allies? "Defiant Superpower" offers a balanced critique of recent foreign policy and suggests how policymakers should recognize the limits of the new hegemony in order to determine America's realistic national interests.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1574889893
• ISBN13: 9781574889895
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: Potomac Books Inc
• Length: 227 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Perfect for classroom discussion.

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

Bush's Fundamental Changes in US Foreign Policy

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.