The American Empire Project: The Sorrows of Empire

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From the author of the prophetic national bestseller Blowback, this work offers a startling examination of American-style militarism and its repercussions both domestically and internationally. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the U.S. has been characterized in various ways: as the “lone superpower,” a “reluctant sheriff,” and now, post-9/11, as a “New Rome.” Chalmers Johnson delves into the militarism reshaping America, compelling its citizens to bear the weight of empire. He recalls classic warnings against militarism, from George Washington to Dwight Eisenhower, revealing its deep historical roots. In the present, he charts the expansion of America’s military bases and the extensive support network surrounding them. Johnson presents a striking portrayal of a new class of professional warriors infiltrating government, operating under a veil of secrecy, and manipulating military budgets for their interests. He provocatively argues that American militarism is not only ending the era of globalization but also bankrupting the nation, setting the stage for a new wave of severe blowback. This analysis suggests that the American republic has crossed a critical threshold, with the Pentagon at the forefront of this transformation.