American Empire: A Debate

by Christopher Layne, Bradley A. Thayer

In this short, accessible book Layne and Thayer argue the merits and demerits of an American empire. With few, if any, rivals to its supremacy, the United States has made an explicit commitment to maintaining and advancing its primacy in the world. But what exactly are the benefits of American hegemony and what are the costs and drawbacks for this fledgling empire? After making their best cases for and against an American empire, subsequent chapters allow both authors to respond to the major arguments presented by their opponents and present their own counter arguments.

166 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2005

Reviews

[Caleb Ewing]

Absolutely fascinating. Who knew the two words I needed to explain modern American life were “imperial overstretch”. I should’ve been a poli sci major oops

[Mahima Taneja]

A book debating abt American Empire by 2 realists of America. A skewed perspective :/