"Drift" is not what some might expect; this is no kumbya-ish "Peace Good, War Bad" diatribe. This book is far more nuanced than that. Maddow accepts that war is sometimes necessary. But, a variety of trends have eliminated or reduced the historic factors that have made war a difficult choice. We've now been at war for more than a decade and most of society hasn't been impacted at all. The exceptions, of course, are those in the military, guard, and reserves and their families, for whom she maintains an appropriately reverential and respectful regard. But, war should be a hard choice, and all of society should feel the pain.

Although Maddow doesn't pull punches in criticizing those who she believes acted inappropriately in contributing to these conditions (particularly Reagan; I had forgotten just how screwed-up the Iran-Contra affair was), the title of the book conveys the overall theme that this drift towards easy warfare was unintended. It was the consequences of various Presidents (Clinton and Obama are not by any means excluded)who have acted to overcome barriers to action that they believed to be necessary. She hardly touches at all upon the motives for the Iraq war, focusing instead on they systems and processes that made it possible.

Drift is informative, witty, and well-written. Although many will discount her work because of her strong political views, Maddow is a great talent, and I look forward to seeing more from her.