Chalmers Johnson in 'The Sorrows of Empire' explores the present extent of what he regards as US militarism and empire. It is a disquieting revelation of the effects of current affairs upon American freedom and democracy.
Johnson is concerned with the potentially destructive consequences of U.S. actions for our constitutional republic. He views the last thirty years as of a piece, with policies calculated to maximize our influence and profits abroad. The Bush administration coming to power determined to offer new military muscle and doctrine to expand our impact abroad. And as we increasingly invoke our power throughout the world - the "only superpower," he contends that our values as a free, open society increasingly are subordinated to the demands of war.
He anticipates a state of perpetual war, involving more military expenditures and overseas expansion, and presidents who will continue to eclipse or ignore Congress. He documents a growing system of propaganda, disinformation and glorification of war and military power. Finally, he fears economic bankruptcy as the president underwrites these adventures with a congressional blank check while neglecting growing problems of education, health care and a decaying physical infrastructure.
The Sorrows of Empire is a powerful indictment of current U.S. military and foreign policy. It also provides an occasion to consider the constitutional values of our republic.
Chalmers Johnson, 1931-2010, on the Last Days of the American Republic
