lord_tyronisis's review against another edition
3.0
It certainly had some valuable information, but in many ways it read like a list. It didn’t seem to be building to an overarching thesis. The title is ostensibly about American imperialism but doesn’t really put forward an argument about how or why the US is engaging in imperialism. That conclusion is taken for granted.
It is always refreshing, though, to hear someone criticize the Obama administration
It is always refreshing, though, to hear someone criticize the Obama administration
postcorporeal's review against another edition
3.0
reads like a rather dry longform piece. apparently it’s a compilation of blog posts (which i did not know until i had finished it) so i guess that makes sense. it was fine
ahc's review against another edition
3.0
While President Obama spoke about a new US approach to foreign policy in the Middle East following the Arab Spring, it was business as usual for the Pentagon. While protestors marched to demand reforms and rights, “trained eyes couldn’t help noticing something startling about the tools of repression in those countries. The armored personnel carriers, tanks, and helicopters used to intimidate or even kill peaceful protesters were often American models.”
Nick Turse writes that this is “a story that should take your breath away.” Certainly, the size and scope of US military interventions across the world accomplishes this. Written during the Obama administration, Turse briefly details how US special ops carry out over 70 special operations a day, how the US is militarily involved in over 120 countries, and how billions of dollars in arms deals happen on a constant basis.
My only criticism is that I wish there was a deeper analysis here. It felt like the author was only scratching the surface.
Despite being a few years old, it proves to be a timely book. As the US violently puts down protestors advocating for the end to the murder of Black Americans by police forces, as well as police and prison abolition, this book is another reminder that violent repression of protest is standard practice for the US government, at home and abroad.
Nick Turse writes that this is “a story that should take your breath away.” Certainly, the size and scope of US military interventions across the world accomplishes this. Written during the Obama administration, Turse briefly details how US special ops carry out over 70 special operations a day, how the US is militarily involved in over 120 countries, and how billions of dollars in arms deals happen on a constant basis.
My only criticism is that I wish there was a deeper analysis here. It felt like the author was only scratching the surface.
Despite being a few years old, it proves to be a timely book. As the US violently puts down protestors advocating for the end to the murder of Black Americans by police forces, as well as police and prison abolition, this book is another reminder that violent repression of protest is standard practice for the US government, at home and abroad.
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