What do you think?
Rate this book
Only the Strong: Reversing the Left's Plot to Sabotage American Power
New York Times bestselling author and conservative U.S. Senator Tom Cotton exposes the progressive left’s decades-long plot to sabotage American power, culminating in a behind-the-scenes look at the dangerous failures of Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden—and explains what we must do to recover America’s strength.
If it seems to you that Barack Obama and Joe Biden have weakened America and emboldened our enemies, you’re not alone. But Senator Cotton explains that their failures aren’t just incompetence or bad luck—it’s decline by design.
Only the Strong reveals the untold inside story of how progressive ideologues and Democratic politicians abandoned the American tradition of strength, pride, and honor. From the beginning, early progressives like Woodrow Wilson repudiated our Founding in favor of globalist fantasies abroad and big government at home. By Vietnam, leftists had begun to blame America first for the world’s problems—just as Barack Obama did for eight years as he apologized and sought to atone for America’s supposed sins. Along the way, Democrats have sold out America’s sovereignty and hollowed out our military to restrain American power. Even when Democrats have acted tough, it usually ends in disaster, from John Kennedy’s debacle at the Bay of Pigs to Bill Clinton’s fiasco in Mogadishu to Joe Biden’s humiliating retreat from Afghanistan.
While offering a timely warning of the dangers ahead and new stories from Senator Cotton’s service in the Senate and the Army, Only the Strong also provides a formidable and urgent roadmap to restore American strength before it’s too late. Because only the strong can survive in a dangerous world and only the strong can preserve their freedom.
If it seems to you that Barack Obama and Joe Biden have weakened America and emboldened our enemies, you’re not alone. But Senator Cotton explains that their failures aren’t just incompetence or bad luck—it’s decline by design.
Only the Strong reveals the untold inside story of how progressive ideologues and Democratic politicians abandoned the American tradition of strength, pride, and honor. From the beginning, early progressives like Woodrow Wilson repudiated our Founding in favor of globalist fantasies abroad and big government at home. By Vietnam, leftists had begun to blame America first for the world’s problems—just as Barack Obama did for eight years as he apologized and sought to atone for America’s supposed sins. Along the way, Democrats have sold out America’s sovereignty and hollowed out our military to restrain American power. Even when Democrats have acted tough, it usually ends in disaster, from John Kennedy’s debacle at the Bay of Pigs to Bill Clinton’s fiasco in Mogadishu to Joe Biden’s humiliating retreat from Afghanistan.
While offering a timely warning of the dangers ahead and new stories from Senator Cotton’s service in the Senate and the Army, Only the Strong also provides a formidable and urgent roadmap to restore American strength before it’s too late. Because only the strong can survive in a dangerous world and only the strong can preserve their freedom.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2022
191 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Tom Cotton
8 books39 followersThomas Bryant Cotton is an American politician, attorney, and former military officer serving as the junior United States senator for Arkansas since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2015.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 9, 2023
Tom Cotton does not equivocate where he stands on the issues he addressed in his book. On the whole, I agreed with 90 percent of his views. I differ, though, on his assessment of the Kennedy Administration's Defense Policy. In particular, Mr. Cotton's opinion of Kennedy's handling of the Vietnam War. JFK knew by late 1963 that the South Vietnam government was not competent, and in fact, was corrupt. President Kennedy announced, in one of his last news conferences, that American Armed Forces would be withdrawing by the end of that December; and total withdrawal by January 1965.
On every other topic Mr. Cotton addresses in his book, I am in complete agreement: WOKE mentality has no place in our Foreign Policy or in the Armed Forces.
On every other topic Mr. Cotton addresses in his book, I am in complete agreement: WOKE mentality has no place in our Foreign Policy or in the Armed Forces.
June 6, 2023
Although Senator Cotton has many valid points, one could almost condense this book with the sentence, "Democrats/Progressives/Liberals terrible; Republicans/Christians/Conservatives beatific. Sen. Cotton promotes the anti-American policies of protectionism and conscription. Yes, the Left is awful; but the so-called Right ain't much better.
November 5, 2022
In clear and unassuming language, Senator Tom Cotton takes the reader on a journey through the history of progressivism in the US (or as he labels it, the Blame America First movement). He describes the disasters these policies have wrought, and compares them to those that kept this country strong. In the second half of the book, he describes numerous ways to revitalize and restrengthen America.
Cotton writes unashamedly, without hysteria or hate, and makes clear and cogent points, especially on securing the border, and draws upon his own experiences in the military and in Congress.
Overall, an excellent analysis of foreign and domestic policy.
My thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book.
Cotton writes unashamedly, without hysteria or hate, and makes clear and cogent points, especially on securing the border, and draws upon his own experiences in the military and in Congress.
Overall, an excellent analysis of foreign and domestic policy.
My thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book.
January 15, 2023
Senator Tom Cotton has a great book available for ALL Americans to read and understand.
His writing is clear and concise, with many historical references to things which occurred in America's past, and which help explain the horrible situation in which we now find our country.
We can overcome this dire situation the progressives have created over the last 100 years, but it will take work and the tenacity/diligence of those of us who see a bleak future if we do not step in and stop the direction we are currently headed!!!!!
His writing is clear and concise, with many historical references to things which occurred in America's past, and which help explain the horrible situation in which we now find our country.
We can overcome this dire situation the progressives have created over the last 100 years, but it will take work and the tenacity/diligence of those of us who see a bleak future if we do not step in and stop the direction we are currently headed!!!!!
December 26, 2022
Senator Cotton spells out the ways America has strayed from principled strength to demeaning—and purposeful—weakness. His words are truthful, his characterizations accurate. He cites the historical record of strong leadership by presidents such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan, whose wise and honorable policies guided our nation to security, freedom, and prosperity in accordance with the principles of our founding Constitution. But the purpose of the book is to document how what we call the “Progressive” movement has grown for the past century since its introduction by President Woodrow Wilson—and how disastrous is the result.
Senator Cotton has been a soldier and a politician, and now he proves himself to be a careful historian and a masterful writer. Progressivism became an ideology embraced by academic “intellectuals” (such as Wilson) and soon was fully adopted by America’s Democrat Party. It introduced and continues to promote “globalist” objectives. It appears to have guided not only Wilson, but also Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Clinton, Obama, and of course Biden. Each of these men, aided by their growing number of administrative lackeys, massively increased government agencies, encouraged individual dependencies upon government “help,” diminished funding for military security, and neglected America’s interests in favor of those of foreign countries. It is the latter that is the focus of this book. And it is very serious.
Every American should read the book. We need to recognize what is happening to our country and be frightened. The explanation is here. And it is late. But the author reviews what must be done to reverse the damage. To help him, voters must be educated. Begin by reading this book.
Senator Cotton has been a soldier and a politician, and now he proves himself to be a careful historian and a masterful writer. Progressivism became an ideology embraced by academic “intellectuals” (such as Wilson) and soon was fully adopted by America’s Democrat Party. It introduced and continues to promote “globalist” objectives. It appears to have guided not only Wilson, but also Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Clinton, Obama, and of course Biden. Each of these men, aided by their growing number of administrative lackeys, massively increased government agencies, encouraged individual dependencies upon government “help,” diminished funding for military security, and neglected America’s interests in favor of those of foreign countries. It is the latter that is the focus of this book. And it is very serious.
Every American should read the book. We need to recognize what is happening to our country and be frightened. The explanation is here. And it is late. But the author reviews what must be done to reverse the damage. To help him, voters must be educated. Begin by reading this book.
November 16, 2022
I mostly stay way from books written by current politicians. Especially those who'd probably like to run for president someday! But I respect Senator Cotton and saw good reviews of this book elsewhere. As you can tell from the subtitle, it's a partisan book. He reviews 100 years of history in a very selective way, showing how Progressive has betrayed many bedrock American principles, especially those related to foreign policy. Then he shows how, more recently, Obama and Biden have made a giant hash of things.
Cotton concludes with some common-sense suggestions for strengthening the American position moving forward. He offers plenty of wisdom that I hope his party embraces. Whether it will have the willpower to implement many of these improvements is a very open question. But kudos to Cotton to lining up a nice array of pins for us to seek to knock down.
Cotton concludes with some common-sense suggestions for strengthening the American position moving forward. He offers plenty of wisdom that I hope his party embraces. Whether it will have the willpower to implement many of these improvements is a very open question. But kudos to Cotton to lining up a nice array of pins for us to seek to knock down.
November 5, 2022
In clear and unassuming language, Senator Tom Cotton takes the reader on a journey through the history of progressivism in the US (or as he labels it, the Blame America First movement). He describes the disasters these policies have wrought, and compares them to those that kept this country strong. In the second half of the book, he describes numerous ways to revitalize and restrengthen America.
Cotton writes unashamedly, without hysteria or hate, and makes clear and cogent points, especially on securing the border, and draws upon his own experiences in the military and in Congress.
Overall, an excellent analysis of foreign and domestic policy.
My thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book.
Cotton writes unashamedly, without hysteria or hate, and makes clear and cogent points, especially on securing the border, and draws upon his own experiences in the military and in Congress.
Overall, an excellent analysis of foreign and domestic policy.
My thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book.
December 15, 2022
how we got here - what dangers we face - what we must do - or lose Freedom
Tom Cotton not only tells how we arrived at this dangerous juncture in American history, it unlike other books that do the same, he spells out a comprehensive list of what we must do to save our country. I hope each American can address at least one of his solutions and will have the courage to not only speak up but also take action in any way they can. America is strong because of its people. We must rededicate ourselves immediately to the cause of freedom or we will have nothing left of the American Dream.
Tom Cotton not only tells how we arrived at this dangerous juncture in American history, it unlike other books that do the same, he spells out a comprehensive list of what we must do to save our country. I hope each American can address at least one of his solutions and will have the courage to not only speak up but also take action in any way they can. America is strong because of its people. We must rededicate ourselves immediately to the cause of freedom or we will have nothing left of the American Dream.
January 18, 2023
Tom Cotton's narrative is well defined but defines Democrats with the same brush. While I agree with his analysis on progressive wing of the party, I believe there are a few semi conservative members.
The most important section of his book is his solutions. I wholeheartedly agree with his approach to border enforcement, energy independence, an increase in defense spending, and distinguishing friends from foes. I question some of his actions he proposes to use against China. I believe some would be unworkable.
I believe this is a sound book for an informed citizen to read if Tom Cotton decides to enter presidential politics.
The most important section of his book is his solutions. I wholeheartedly agree with his approach to border enforcement, energy independence, an increase in defense spending, and distinguishing friends from foes. I question some of his actions he proposes to use against China. I believe some would be unworkable.
I believe this is a sound book for an informed citizen to read if Tom Cotton decides to enter presidential politics.
November 28, 2022
Excellent read on understanding the principles of the Constitution by the Founding Father's and at the same time the detrimental liberal ideology of the left. The future of our nation depends on changing the current misguided agenda that for many years is leading our nation down a down a dark hole. A must read you will not be disappointed.
January 30, 2023
Senator Tom Cotton has served as a decorated Army Ranger and on the U.S. Senate Intelligence, Armed Forces, and Judiciary Committees. His review of 20th and 21st century America is seen through these lenses, as well as his strong conservative background. The book’s subtitle is “Reversing the Left’s Plot to Sabotage American Power”. He suggests “the best way to understand why the left is sabotaging American power today is to go back to where it all started”, with the administrative state as envisioned by a group of German philosophers and professors, especially G.W.F. Hegel, and put into American policy beginning with President Woodrow Wilson. They espoused a “rational state”, a more centralized form of government, and the rise of globalism. Cotton follows this thread through several Democratic administrations (and some Republican as well), to show how America’s power has atrophied. He sights Kennedy’s Bay of Pigs invasion, Johnson’s management of the Viet Nam war, Bill Clinton’s Mogadishu mess, Obama’s “red line”, and Biden’s Afghanistan retreat as examples of failed foreign policy disasters. Cotton suggests a plan for American renewal: rebuild the military, secure the border, achieve energy independence, distinguish friends and foes, and beat China. Cotton offers a strong dose of conservatism in both his analysis of the past as well his recommendations for the future. Some will digest “Only the Strong” as a bitter dose of castor oil while others will find it revitalizing medicine and remedy for what ails America today.
January 3, 2023
Solid book tracing progressive thought from Woodrow Wilson to Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Cotton argues that progressivism branches into what he calls blame America first progressives beginning with the Vietnam protests and finding it’s apex in President Obama’s apology tour for America’s sins early in his administration.
Cotton argues that America is at a crossroads. Blame America first progressives have made America soft, weak, and vulnerable. The solution is to return to principles that put American strength on display. American exceptionalism and it’s political implications must return to foreign policy. Cotton concludes by stating, “ the path to regain our nation’s strength may be long and the price may be high, but it is a journey worth taking and a price worth paying.”
I highly recommend highly this book. It is well worth your time.
Cotton argues that America is at a crossroads. Blame America first progressives have made America soft, weak, and vulnerable. The solution is to return to principles that put American strength on display. American exceptionalism and it’s political implications must return to foreign policy. Cotton concludes by stating, “ the path to regain our nation’s strength may be long and the price may be high, but it is a journey worth taking and a price worth paying.”
I highly recommend highly this book. It is well worth your time.
January 16, 2023
I wish that everything in this book could be actually debated in the halls of congress and its committees. Instead, we get sound bites and purely partisan sound bites. I agree with much of what Cotton says and recall essentially all the events he describes. Still, I think the whole discussion would be improved if it were a dialogue with an honest Democrat. That is too much to expect, I know.
December 30, 2022
For a senator who recently announced he is not running for POTUS in 2024 this is the kind of book that makes a statement. I had seen an interview with Sen Cotton discussing the book and look forward to this one. I had read his early book about the Old Guard (Unknown Tomb Sentinels and much more) where he served during part of his US Army career. Going back to President Wilson over 100 yrs ago he lays out the case how dems and liberals have done so much damage to American power.
May 16, 2024
I didn’t really enjoy this book. It is probably more suited to someone really into politics.
November 3, 2025
Where He Loses Me
Cotton learned nothing from Iraq and Afghanistan. He advocates the same neoconservative interventionism that cost us 7,000+ lives, $2+ trillion, and 20 years of failed nation-building.
George H.W. Bush - one of my role models - understood restraint. In 1991, Bush drove Saddam out of Kuwait but didn't march to Baghdad. Why? Because regime change creates power vacuums, nation-building often fails, and America can't remake the world in our image.
Bush 41's restraint was strategic brilliance. His son's invasion (which Cotton defends) was strategic catastrophe.
Cotton conflates strength with constant intervention. True strength includes:
Strategic restraint (knowing when NOT to fight)
Diplomatic skill (Reagan negotiated with Soviets while maintaining strength)
Economic power (trade, development, soft power)
Moral authority (hard to claim after Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo, torture)
Cotton's "strength" often looks like hubris: bomb Iran, confront China militarily, stay in Afghanistan forever.
He ignores domestic decay. You can't project power abroad if your society is collapsing at home. Crumbling infrastructure, failing schools, opioid epidemic, healthcare bankruptcies, $36 trillion debt - these deserve priority over nation-building in Kabul.
Nation-building should start in Baltimore and Detroit, not Baghdad.
Cotton learned nothing from Iraq and Afghanistan. He advocates the same neoconservative interventionism that cost us 7,000+ lives, $2+ trillion, and 20 years of failed nation-building.
George H.W. Bush - one of my role models - understood restraint. In 1991, Bush drove Saddam out of Kuwait but didn't march to Baghdad. Why? Because regime change creates power vacuums, nation-building often fails, and America can't remake the world in our image.
Bush 41's restraint was strategic brilliance. His son's invasion (which Cotton defends) was strategic catastrophe.
Cotton conflates strength with constant intervention. True strength includes:
Strategic restraint (knowing when NOT to fight)
Diplomatic skill (Reagan negotiated with Soviets while maintaining strength)
Economic power (trade, development, soft power)
Moral authority (hard to claim after Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo, torture)
Cotton's "strength" often looks like hubris: bomb Iran, confront China militarily, stay in Afghanistan forever.
He ignores domestic decay. You can't project power abroad if your society is collapsing at home. Crumbling infrastructure, failing schools, opioid epidemic, healthcare bankruptcies, $36 trillion debt - these deserve priority over nation-building in Kabul.
Nation-building should start in Baltimore and Detroit, not Baghdad.
January 2, 2024
A surprisingly educational book, written by Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, covering the evolution of American political trends and history of pivotal international events through the 20th and 21st centuries. Cotton begins by elucidating the philosophical motivations of Left-wing politics, and then recounts a (depressingly long) list of recent political fiascos (e.g. one, two, three, etc.) in relation to (and in consequence of) poor politics.
Most interesting to me was Cotton's exposé of a growing sentiment I've encountered in common discussions: that today's liberals don't seem to be concerned with preserving "the American way" or "original American values;" but rather believe that our cultural and governmental systems should be changed and updated with the ever-changing mind of the current trends. Cotton traces these sentiments back largely to the mind and influence of 28th President Woodrow Wilson (served 1913-1921). While conservatives seek to interpret the respected intents of our Constitution's authors, the Left wishes to reinterpret the Constitution according to our modern intentions. I never knew how fundamentally un-American Woodrow Wilson's philosophies were; but two quotes from him help pain the picture: "[I]f you want to understand the real Declaration of Independence, do not read the preface," and "No doubt, we are meant to have the liberty; but each generation must form its own conception of liberty."
Thanks to my mother, who got me this book for my 31st birthday.
Most interesting to me was Cotton's exposé of a growing sentiment I've encountered in common discussions: that today's liberals don't seem to be concerned with preserving "the American way" or "original American values;" but rather believe that our cultural and governmental systems should be changed and updated with the ever-changing mind of the current trends. Cotton traces these sentiments back largely to the mind and influence of 28th President Woodrow Wilson (served 1913-1921). While conservatives seek to interpret the respected intents of our Constitution's authors, the Left wishes to reinterpret the Constitution according to our modern intentions. I never knew how fundamentally un-American Woodrow Wilson's philosophies were; but two quotes from him help pain the picture: "[I]f you want to understand the real Declaration of Independence, do not read the preface," and "No doubt, we are meant to have the liberty; but each generation must form its own conception of liberty."
Thanks to my mother, who got me this book for my 31st birthday.
July 26, 2024
I found this book to be mostly opinion based. Though sources were loosely cited, the majority of the narrative is the writer's opinion.
With that being said, the writer's point of view is basically common sense, and hard to disagree with, though many would. Of course, I find that those who tend to disagree with these points of view are MUCH more opinion based with very little factual evidence to support their opinions.
With that being said, the writer's point of view is basically common sense, and hard to disagree with, though many would. Of course, I find that those who tend to disagree with these points of view are MUCH more opinion based with very little factual evidence to support their opinions.
April 8, 2024
A GREAT RECAPITULATION OF AMERICA'S SUCCESSRS AND FAILURES
This book outlines policy successes and failures in our foreign policy, military and internal preparedness. Tom Cotton has used his senate committee assignments to give a very clear study of our intelligence and military status without betraying any intelligence briefings. It should be must reading for every US citizen.
This book outlines policy successes and failures in our foreign policy, military and internal preparedness. Tom Cotton has used his senate committee assignments to give a very clear study of our intelligence and military status without betraying any intelligence briefings. It should be must reading for every US citizen.
December 1, 2022
A book everyone who wants to know more about how the US government operates should read. Well written and easy to follow. America’s best days may still be ahead but only if we make big changes soon.
December 19, 2022
If your a conservative you’ll like this book. I think it’s a good history book too! I like Senator Cotton and his thoughts for the most part. He brings up good points to ponder about.
December 25, 2022
Sen Cotton provides a clear path as to how America can restore its greatness and become, once again, a city on a hill (Mt 5:14).
January 4, 2023
Good book. It gives you insight on the Obamas administration and to current day Biden administration and the mistakes they are making.
January 19, 2023
Sen. Tom Cotton is convinced that America is deeply threatened by China. He believes that we can save the nation, but it will take conservative action and strict attention to the Constitution.
January 30, 2023
Tom Cotton has served on th
February 21, 2023
An excellent summary of the foibles of President Biden.
February 23, 2023
Depressing rehash of a hundred other books. Be nice to hear some good things and solutions.
March 14, 2023
An encouraging book in the sense that it shows there are still young Americans with the will to do what is necessary to restore America, to Make America Great Again
February 4, 2024
Very interesting and informative. I learned some things I did not know before. I definitely recommend it.
March 25, 2024
A strong call to action for America
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews