Thomas P.M. Barnett’s new book Great Powers: America and the World After Bush
I had the good fortune to read the next-to-final draft of the book. I think it is easily Barnett’s best book so far. He lays out his vision of the world of today and tomorrow, and what should be done about it.
I highly recommend the book. You can order it here
(I am in about 70% agreement with what Barnett has to say in the book. I hope to have a substantial review up at some point, where I will talk about all the main points in the book. For now, I look forward to reading it again so I can write the review.)
From his “twelve step recovery program”:
“7. HUMBLY ASK THE INCOMING PRESIDENT TO REVERSE AMERICA’S RECENT UNILATERALISM.
8. MAKE A LIST OF ALL THE GREAT POWERS WHOSE NATIONAL INTERESTS WE HAVE HARMED, AND BECOME WILLING TO MAKE CONCESSIONS TO THEM ALL.
9. MAKE DIRECT OVERTURES TO VIOLENT NONSTATE ACTORS WHENEVER POSSIBLE, EXCEPT WHEN DOING SO WOULD DAMAGE EXISTING ALLIANCES. ”
Sounds like Obama’s interview with Arab TV. And look how well that worked out.
I’ll read the book with interest. But I think I’ll be somewhat short of 70% agreement.
After this era in American history is over Americans will ask themselves: What happened to the rest of the world while we were gone? The United States is behind the curve in world affairs that it will take a generation to get back to a point were we should be.
The machinery of economic development and global trade will be the method of world competition and cooperation and not militry force. In is in this area America has a decided advantage. The US is both an Atlantic and Pacific Rim nation. The ultimate strategic loading dock and manufacturing platform of the world.
Danny L. McDaniel
Lafayette, Indiana