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Cover

The Paradox of American Power

Why the World's Only Superpower Can't Go It Alone

Joseph S. Nye, Jr.

Publication Date - May 2003

ISBN: 9780195161106

240 pages
Paperback
6-1/8 x 9-1/4 inches

In Stock

"Provides an excellent framework for viewing the U.S.'s role in the 21st century, especially after the events of September 11."--Madeleine Albright

Description

Not since the Roman Empire has any nation had as much economic, cultural, and military power as the United States does today. Yet, as has become all too evident through the terrorist attacks of September 11th and the impending threat of the acquisition of nuclear weapons by Iran, that power is not enough to solve global problems--like terrorism, environmental degradation, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction--without involving other nations. Here Joseph S. Nye, Jr. focuses on the rise of these and other new challenges and explains clearly why America must adopt a more cooperative engagement with the rest of the world.

Features

  • Focuses on the modern rise of global problems - like terrorism, environmental degradation, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction - and other new challenges
  • Explains clearly why America must adopt a more cooperative engagement with the rest of the world

About the Author(s)

Joseph S. Nye, Jr., Dean of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, was Chairman of the National Intelligence Council and an Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Clinton administration. A frequent contributor to The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal, he is the author several books, including Governance in a Globalizing World and Bound to Lead: The Changing Nature of American Power.

Reviews

"This elegantly constructed essay is about why an unrivalled military and economic power still needs allies or partners, and why, as world leader, America should rely also on the soft, persuasive kind of power: the appeal of its values and culture."--The Economist

"This reasoned and timely essay on the uses of power makes a valuable contribution to American public discourse."--Publishers Weekly

"Admirably compact...illuminating."--Christian Science Monitor

"Joseph Nye--consistently one of the wiser heads around--has produced, yet again, a lucid, forceful critique of American foreign policy and a sensible, far-sighted prescription for making American power more palatable and more effective around the world. In the wake of September 11, The Paradox of American Power could hardly be more timely. It reflects Nye's multiple experiences in government as well as his perspective as a scholar and thinker."--Strobe Talbott, Yale University

"Joe Nye is one of the most astute observers of the changing nature of international politics. His new book provides an excellent framework for viewing U.S. role in the 21st century and especially after the events of September 11."--Madeleine Albright

Table of Contents

    Preface
    1. The American Colossus
    2. The Information Revolution
    3. Globalization
    4. The Home Front
    5. Redefining the National Interest
    Notes
    Index

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