America's inadvertent empire / William E. Odom and Robert Dujarric.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Odom, William E.

Contributor:

Dujarric, Robert.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Power (Social sciences)--United States.

Power (Social sciences).

World politics--21st century.

World politics.

United States--Politics and government.

United States.

United States--Economic conditions.

United States--Social conditions.

United States--Foreign relations.

United States--Strategic aspects.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (304 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

New Haven & London : Yale University Press, c2004.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The United States finds itself at the center of a historically unparalleled empire, one that is wealth-generating and voluntary rather than imperialistic, say the authors of this compelling book. William E. Odom and Robert Dujarric examine America's unprecedented power within the international arenas of politics, economics, demographics, education, science, and culture. They argue persuasively that the major threat to this unique empire is ineffective U.S. leadership, not a rising rival power center.America cannot simply behave as an ordinary sovereign state, Odom and Dujarric contend. They describe the responsibilities that accompany staggering power advantages and explain that resorting to unilateralism makes sense only when it becomes necessary to overcome paralysis in multilateral organizations. The authors also offer insights into the importance of liberal international institutions as a source of power, why international cooperation pays, and why spreading democracy often inhibits the spread of constitutional order. If the United States uses its own power constructively, the authors conclude, the American empire will flourish for a long time.

Contents:

Introduction

The sources of American power

An empire of a new type

The military power gap

The demography gap

The economic performance gap

The university gap

The science gap

The media and mass culture gaps

Conclusion.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-281-72214-6

9786611722142

0-300-13036-8

OCLC:

1121055641