‘A brilliant and deeply informed must-read for anyone seriously interested in geopolitics, the history of Empire, and the shape of the future.’
In the Shadows of the American Century
The Rise and Decline of US Global Power
Alfred W. McCoyFor a decade America’s share of the global economy has been in decline. Its diplomatic alliances are under immense strain, and any claim of moral leadership has been abandoned. America is still a colossus, possessing half the world’s manufacturing capacity, nearly half its military forces, and a formidable system of global surveillance and covert operations. But even at its peak it may have been sowing the seeds of its own destruction.
Is it realistic to rely on the global order established after World War II, or are we witnessing the changing of the guard, with China emerging as the world’s economic and military powerhouse? America clings to its superpower status, but for how much longer?
Reviews
New York Journal of Books
‘A profound meditation on the nature of American state power.’
James A. Robinson, Dr. Richard L. Pearson Professor of Global Conflict Studies, University of Chicago, and co-author of Why Nations Fail
‘McCoy’s detailed, panoramic analysis…joins the essential short list of scrupulous historical and comparative studies of the United States as an…imperial power.’
John Dower, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Embracing Defeat and War Without Mercy
‘Persuasively argues for the inevitable decline of the American empire and the rise of China… Powerful.’
Viet Thanh Nguyen, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Sympathizer
‘One of our best and most underappreciated historians takes a hard look at the truth of our empire, both its covert activities and the reasons for its impending decline.’
Oliver Stone
‘“What is the character of this American empire?” Alfred McCoy asks at the outset of this provocative study. His answer not only limns the contours of the American imperium as it evolved during the twentieth century, but explains why its days are quite likely numbered. This is history with profound relevance to events that are unfolding before our eyes.’
Andrew J. Bacevich, author of America’s War for the Greater Middle East
‘A meticulous, eye-opening account of the rise, since 1945, and impending premature demise of the American Century of world domination.’
Ann Jones, author of They Were Soldiers
‘Sobering reading for geopolitics mavens and Risk aficionados alike.’
Kirkus
