I have been reading THE RISE AND FALL OF GREAT POWERS

[KlatooBNikto]

by Paul Kennedy, Yale Historian. In that book, Kennedy details how economic prosperity empowers nations who then use it to advantage in conquering smaller powers;the fall comes when the military needs begin to impede economic growth and as the divergence between military needs and economic needs.

It looks like we are beginning to enter a phase of economic constriction.As the war uses up our resources more and more,the fall predicted by Kennedy is going to be here.

The rise of other nations while our attention is consumed by the war is also going to severely restrict our ability to act like a great power.

[va_dem]

1. I doubt we're going anywhere soon.

[Sherwood]

2. I just did a report on the fall of Rome

The similarities are startling. Luxuries because expectations and the people became soft and weak. Rome eventually crumbled.

[LanternWaste]

3. One of the best books ever

One of the best books ever concerning the role of economics, geography and other elements in the growth of nation-states.

I don't agree with the premise that the U.S. is only now entering a period of both relative and absolute decline- I believe that's been happening for over a generation now... Bush Enterprises is merely speeding up that process and (more indictable) ignoring the long-term infrastructure and economic decline in exchange for short-term political goals.

Again, one of the best books on the topic (IMO) and one that I keep in my briefcase (along with the Collegiate Grammar Handbook) for reference.

[KlatooBNikto]

4. I keep this one and the RISE AND FALL OF THE THIRD REICH

in my bookshelf. Both great works by men of erudition, experience and wisdom. Sadly rare these days.

[catmandu57]

5. Have you read Chalmers Johnson "Sorrow of Empire"

It's a great read detailing America's march to Empire and how it will ultimately destruct.

[KlatooBNikto]

6. No.But will do so because I have read his book Blowback. and liked it.