The bestselling writer of The Limits of Power critically examines the Washington consensus on national security and just why it must change

Going back half century, as administrations have come and gone, the fundamental assumptions about America’s army policy have remained unchanged: American security requires the United States (and us alone) to keep up a permanent armed presence around the globe, to prepare our forces for military procedures in far-flung regions, and to prepare yourself to intervene about Washington Rules: America’s Path to Everlasting War anywhere at any time. In the Obama era, just like in the Bush years, these values stay unquestioned gospel.

In a brilliant, incisive analysis, Andrew J. Bacevich succinctly presents the origins of this consensus, forged at an instant when American power was at its elevation. He exposes the preconceptions, biases, and behaviors that underlie our pervasive faith in armed forces might, especially the notion that overpowering superiority will oblige others to support America’s requirements and desires-whether for cheap oil, cheap credit, or cheap consumer items. And he problems the usefulness of our militarism as it is becoming both unaffordable and increasingly dangerous.

Though our politicians deny it, American global might is faltering. This is actually the minute, Bacevich argues, to reconsider the principles which form American plan in the world-to acknowledge that fixing Afghanistan should not consider precedence over repairing Detroit. Changing this Washington consensus is crucial to America’s future, and may yet offer the key to the country’s salvation.