ECU Libraries Catalog

Empire in retreat : the past, present, and future of the United States / Victor Bulmer-Thomas.

Author/creator Bulmer-Thomas, V. author.
Format Book and Print
Publication Info New Haven : Yale University Press, [2018]
Descriptionxx, 459 pages : illustrations, maps ; 25 cm
Subject(s)
Contents Introduction -- Part I The territorial empire -- One Continental expansion -- Two Mexico and Central America -- Three Africa and the Pacific -- Four The Caribbean -- Part II The semiglobal empire -- Five Institutions -- Six Nonstate actors -- Seven The empire in action -- Eight The unipolar moment -- Part III The empire in retreat -- Nine Anti-imperialism in the United States -- Ten The US economy -- Eleven The decline of leadership -- Twelve Hegemony under threat.
Summary A sweeping history of the United States through the lens of empire-and an incisive look forward as the nation retreats from the global stage A respected authority on international relations and foreign policy, Victor Bulmer-Thomas offers a grand survey of the United States as an empire. From its territorial expansion after independence, through hegemonic rule following World War II, to the nation's current imperial retreat, the United States has had an uneasy relationship with the idea of itself as an empire. In this book Bulmer-Thomas offers three definitions of empire-territorial, informal, and institutional-that help to explain the nation's past and forecast a future in which the United States will cease to play an imperial role. Arguing that the move toward diminished geopolitical dominance reflects the aspirations of most U.S. citizens, he asserts that imperial retreat does not necessarily mean national decline and may ultimately strengthen the nation-state. At this pivotal juncture in American history, Bulmer-Thomas's uniquely global perspective will be widely read and discussed across a range of fields.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (pages 419-444) and index.
Issued in other formOnline version: Bulmer-Thomas, V. Empire in retreat. New Haven : Yale University Press, [2018] 9780300235197
ISBN9780300210002 hardcover
ISBN0300210000 hardcover

Available Items

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Joyner General Stacks E183.7 .B85 2018 ✔ Available Place Hold