Synopses & Reviews
While there have been many analyses of American imperialism, few have equaled the breadth or insight of
America: From White Settlement to World Hegemony, which was one of the first books to provide a historical perspective on the origins of the American empire.
Victor Kiernan, heralded by Edward Said as the “great Scottish historian of empire,” employs a nuanced knowledge of history, literature, and politics in his tracing of the evolution of American power. Far reaching and ambitious in its scope, the book combines accounts of the changing relationship between Native Americans and the white population with readings of the works of key cultural figures such as Melville and Whitman, as well as an analysis of the way in which money and politics became so closely intertwined in American democracy. The result is a compelling account of how the country came to be the dangerous global power that it is today. Brought up-to-date with an afterword by John Trumpbour, research director at Harvard Law School, this new edition includes a look at America’s ongoing war on terror.
Review
"The re-issue of Kiernan’s fine study of American imperialism is a very welcome event. His acute analysis, penetrating insights, and immense knowledge have lost none of their luster and are of great contemporary significance."
Review
“A graphic account of imperial imaginings.”
Synopsis
From the author of the "New York Times" bestseller "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" comes an expos of international corruption. Perkins suggests how Americans can work to create a more peaceful and stable world for future generations.
Synopsis
New York Times bestseller
From the author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller, Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, comes an expose of international corruption, and an inspired plan to turn the tide for future generations
With a presidential election around the corner, questions of America's military buildup, environmental impact, and foreign policy are on everyone's mind. Former Economic Hit Man John Perkins goes behind the scenes of the current geopolitical crisis and offers bold solutions to our most pressing problems. Drawing on interviews with other EHMs, jackals, CIA operatives, reporters, businessmen, and activists, Perkins reveals the secret history of events that have created the current American Empire, including:
How the defeats in Vietnam and Iraq have benefited big business
The role of Israel as Fortress America in the Middle East
Tragic repercussions of the IMF's Asian Economic Collapse
The current Latin American revolution and its lessons for democracy
U.S. blunders in Tibet, Congo, Lebanon, and Venezuela
From the U.S. military in Iraq to infrastructure development in Indonesia, from Peace Corps volunteers in Africa to jackals in Venezuela, Perkins exposes a conspiracy of corruption that has fueled instability and anti-Americanism around the globe, with consequences reflected in our daily headlines. Having raised the alarm, Perkins passionately addresses how Americans can work to create a more peaceful and stable world for future generations."
About the Author
John Perkins is founder and president of the Dream Change Coalition, which works closely with Amazonian and other indigenous people to help preserve their environments and cultures. From 1971 to 1981 he worked for the international consulting firm of Chas.T. Main, where he became chief economist and director of economics and regional planning. Perkins has lectured and taught at universities and learning centers on four continents and is a regular lecturer for the Omega Center.
Table of Contents
Introduction by John Trumpbour
Preface by Eric Hobsbawm
Foreword
Part One: The Winning of the National Territory
1. The Birth of a Nation
2. The Pursuit of Happiness
3. White Man and Red Man
Part Two: Middle Decades
4. The literary Mirror
5. From West Indies to Far East
6. Civil War and After
7. The Last Indian Wars
Part Three: Overseas Expansion and the War with Spain
8. The Red Man in Custody
9. New Visions of Empire
10. Latin America and Further Asia
11. Anglo-Saxons and their Wars
Part Four: Imperial Choices for a New Century
12. The Progressivist Era
13. The Philippines Experiment, and Direct or Indirect Rule
14. Dollar Diplomacy in Central America
15. Old World Frustrations, and Ideas of a New World Order
Part Five: Two Strides to World Power
16. Great War and not so great Peace
17. Victory and After: The Mirror of Science Fiction
18. America, the World's Banker
19. Slump Years, and a New Look at the Red Indian
20. From Isolationism to Conquest
Part Six: The American Hegemony
21. Capitalism, Militarism and the Cold War
22. The Old Empires and Neo-Colonialism
23. War in Vietnam and its Repercussions
24. The Middle East and Africa
25. Latin America
26. Retrospect and Prospect
Epilogue by John Trumpbour
Bibliography
Index