America Abroad: Why the Sole Superpower Should Not Pull Back from the World

by Stephen G. Brooks, William C. Wohlforth

A decade and a half of exhausting wars, punishing economic setbacks, and fast-rising rivals has called into question America's fundamental position and purpose in world politics. Will the US continue to be the only superpower in the international system? Should it continue advancing the world-shaping grand strategy it has followed since the Cold War? Or should it focus on internal problems? America Abroad takes stock of these debates and provides a powerful defense of American globalism. Since the end of World War Two, world politics has been shaped by two America's position as the most powerful state, and its strategic choice to be deeply engaged in the world. But if America disengages from the world and reduces its footprint overseas, core US security and economic interests would be jeopardized. While America should remain globally engaged, it has to focus primarily on its core interests or run the risk of overextension. A bracing rejoinder to the critics of American
globalism-a more potent force than ever in the Trump era- America Abroad is a powerful reminder that a robust American presence is crucial for maintaining world order.

296 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2018

Reviews

[Vikas Erraballi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great framework even though unconvincing in some areas. Waiting to read something by someone familiar with China strategic thought exploring possibilities for American grand strategy.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as academic books go, this one was pretty good. It's a well-reasoned argument for the deep engagement strategy. And in book form, it's a more comprehensive articulation, as compared to the articles. That's not surprising necessarily, but still. Now onto the competition...