Exploring the intricacies of the Cold War, this book offers a fresh perspective on historical events and their implications for contemporary America. It delves into the lessons learned from past conflicts and tensions, suggesting ways to navigate current challenges. By analyzing the strategies and ideologies of the Cold War era, the author proposes actionable insights for fostering progress and unity in today's society, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in history and its relevance to modern issues.
The argument presented emphasizes that achieving success in the war on terror requires strategies similar to those used in the Cold War, focusing on containment, deterrence, outperformance, and engagement. It highlights the importance of intelligence, law enforcement, social policy, and diplomacy over military might, suggesting a comprehensive approach to counterterrorism that prioritizes strategic non-military actions.
Focusing on the experiences of Vietnam veterans who chose to remain in Southeast Asia, this book explores their diverse motivations and complex identities. From military heroes to those grappling with their wartime actions, these expatriates navigate their pasts through various means—some reliving memories in social settings, while others seek redemption through charitable acts. Despite differing views on the war, they collectively confront a shared desire to remember and reflect on their experiences, challenging the broader American reluctance to engage with this chapter of history.
Overseas military bases have been the bedrock of the United States’ ability to project military power, exert political influence and deter potential adversaries since the Second World War. But fatigue with America’s ‘forever wars’, as well as more nuanced financial and strategic reasons, has inclined the public and policy community to favour reducing US global military activities and overseas presence. In this Adelphi book, Jonathan Stevenson argues that this desire does not necessarily translate into sound strategy. Overseas bases are a key element of the reassurance required to resurrect and bolster America’s reputation among its allies and adversaries. Meanwhile, strategic imperatives and geopolitical realities impose restraints in every theatre. The fluidity prevailing in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific counsels maintaining forward-deployed forces there at roughly the current level. Russia’s confrontational posture towards NATO and invasion of Ukraine, as well as NATO’s short- and medium-term reliance on US capabilities, require the American presence in Europe to increase and expand eastward. The US should not commit itself to a foreign policy that is heavy on forward-deployed military power and light on diplomacy. But paradoxically, reducing forward military presence may not be consistent with a policy that is less focused on military power as a means of achieving stability and security.
