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The Case for Goliath
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The Case for Goliath

How America Acts as the World's Government in the 21st Century

Public Affairs, 2005 Mehr


Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Innovative

Recommendation

Some political books written by academics are too deep and detailed, but this one is for people who want the big picture, or at least, a version of the big picture. Author and historian Michael Mandelbaum makes his point quickly: the United States is the globe’s economic and military police officer, and the world needs it to fill that role. Mandelbaum illustrates his contention with a compilation of the Iraq War’s history, and a look at relevant world events from the Cold War to today. His narrative has some tendency to roam, although his tangents are often interesting. In one chapter, a discussion of oil moves to sections on conservation, fossil fuels, greenhouse gases, international trade and monetary policy. However, getAbstract believes that he makes his views clear: even countries that criticize America’s role accept the benefits it provides. Given this, the U.S. must decide how long it wants to, or can afford to, be the world’s cop, with both the power and the enmity that this role incurs.

Take-Aways

  • In 2001, the United States’ economy exceeded that of Germany, Japan and Great Britain combined.
  • The U.S. defense budget is larger than those of the next 15 nations combined.
  • Since the U.S. did not mobilize forces during the 50-year Cold War, it only had to devote about 6% of its gross domestic product to military outlays.

About the Author

Michael Mandelbaum is a professor of American foreign policy at The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C. He is a foreign affairs columnist for Newsday, and the author or co-author of nine books, including The Ideas that Conquered the World.


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