American Empire: A Debate [Paperback]

Christopher Layne (Author), Bradley A. Thayer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 25, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0415952042 | ISBN-13: 978-0415952040 | Edition: 1

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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Christopher Layne is Associate Professor in the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Bradley A. Thayer is an Associate Professor in the Dept. of Defense and Strategic Studies at Missouri State University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (October 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415952042
• ISBN-13: 978-0415952040
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.5 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,495,148 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting but missing something February 15, 2008

By Seth J. Frantzman HALL OF FAME

Format:Paperback

This book presents a debate between two thinkers on whether or not the American empire is a positive development or negative. While one presents the usual arguments for isolationism and multi-lateralism, despite the fact that it hasn't worked when it comes to preventing genocide in Darfur, the other presents arguments for America as a global empire with interests everywhere policing conflicts.

But the debate misses a third point: the concept of the idea of American empire is itself flawed. America is a hegemon for all intents but whether that means it is an empire or that it wants to be an empire or is imperialistic is another matter. What is an empire? A third point should have been made that the arguments against American empire are arguing against a straw man that doesn't exist, and that there really are very few people that think America should be defined as an 'empire'.

Seth J. Frantzman