Doug Bandow

The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism Andrew J. Bacevich Metropolitan Books, 2008 206 pp. If there is one principle that seems to mark neoconservative thought, it is that there are no limits to American power. So long as the American people are united, so long as they exhibit the necessary will, world … Continue reading “The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism“

The remarks by Zalmay Khalilzad, America’s UN ambassador, denouncing Russian aggression against that paragon of democratic virtue, the Republic of Georgia, are almost too funny to quote. U.S. government hypocrisy obviously is not new, but Washington’s inconsistency on this occasion is more spectacular than usual. Proving yet again that history has not ended, last week … Continue reading “Washington’s Laughable Lack of Self-Awareness”

Seven years in the making, the Beijing Olympics are upon us. At enormous cost, an estimated $40 billion, China will be showcased, but which China? It is a land of enormous possibilities but equally enormous frustrations. The government’s conduct impresses and depresses simultaneously. Today Zhongnanhai, the Communist Party leadership compound, continues to control official policy, … Continue reading “Which China Will We See?”

John McCain’s attempt to sell his presidential candidacy on the basis that he backed the troop surge initiated last year is comical – or pathetic. He supported an unnecessary and disastrous war. He backed the administration’s misguided occupation policies for years. And he wants to keep troops in Iraq for 100 years or more. Yes, … Continue reading “Staying Out of Iraq Was the Truest Test for Any Prez Wannabe”

The Lion and the Unicorn: Gladstone and Disraeli Richard Aldous W.W. Norton 368 pp. Politics is a spectator sport, akin to baseball or football, but with far greater consequences for the rest of us. After all, no matter how much one despises the New York Yankees, it doesn’t really matter much if they win the … Continue reading “The Lion and the Unicorn“

Despite some initial hesitation, the Religious Right has decided that John McCain is God’s candidate. I’ll confess that I can’t find the relevant Bible verse, but who am I to dispute the usual religious worthies? Obviously John McCain is the candidate of God – Mars, the Roman god of war. There’s nothing new about clerics … Continue reading “John McCain: The Candidate of God – Mars, the God of War”

President George W. Bush, the neoconservative war lobby, and Sen. John McCain all have one overriding goal for U.S. policy towards Iraq: a permanent occupation. Of course, they all prefer that the American regency be peaceful, but Sen. McCain captured the mood when he called for U.S. troops to garrison Iraq for 100 or 1000 … Continue reading “Exit Iraq, and Leave No Bases Behind”

What Does China Think? Mark Leonard Public Affairs, 2008 164 pp. What does China think? Americans aren’t known for their international sophistication, especially when it comes to complex foreign issues. And there are few more complicated issues than the so-called rise of China. Almost everything you read about China is true, one of my friends … Continue reading “What Does China Think?“

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has become a neoconservative heart-throb since he appears to genuinely admire the U.S. He also is a mercantilist, protectionist, and nationalist. Common positions all, but none advance America’s interest. Browbeating Ireland to reverse the results of its recent referendum rejecting the Lisbon Treaty, which would consolidate power in Brussels and create, … Continue reading “Turning the Recurring Joke of a New European Defense Policy into Reality”

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates recently returned from the Republic of Korea, where he reaffirmed America’s commitment to South Korea’s defense. Days later the ROK’s capital of Seoul erupted as tens of thousands of demonstrators protested their government’s decision to allow the sale of American beef. Far from bringing harmony to the U.S.-South Korean relationship, … Continue reading “Strengthening the US-South Korea Alliance: For What?”