Imperial Delusions: American Militarism and Endless War

by Carl Boggs

mil·i·ta·rism , n , A military state or condition; reliance on military force in administering government.

A characteristic of regimes like the Soviet Union or communist China, militarism is rarely associated with American society and government. Rather, Americans see their nation as the peaceful mediator, intervening in world affairs only to "make the world safe for democracy". The uncomfortable reality, however, scarcely fits this kind of fanciful mythology.

In this hard-hitting critique, Carl Boggs argues that the United States is dominated by a new militarism, one that has become more potent and menacing since 9/11. He skillfully explores the origins and development of this new militarism and shows its devastating effects on American society and foreign policy.

As America expands its influence, Imperial Delusions demonstrates how Americans have become addicted to war―allowing a military culture to control their interactions with each other and the world.

Genres: History, American, Nonfiction

280 pages, Hardcover

First published December 16, 2004

About the author

Carl Boggs is Professor of Social Sciences at National University in Los Angeles. He is the author of Gramsci's Marxism; The Politics of Eurocommunism (with David Plotke); The Impasse of European Communism; The Two Revolutions: Gramsci and the Crisis of Western Marxism; and Social Movements and Political Power.