Author(s): Josef Joffe

Current Affairs & Politics

Effortlessly mixing military history with diplomatic analysis, Josef Joffe examines the transformation of the United States from a coalition-building superpower to a sprawling and surly uberpower, constrained only by the consequences of its unilateral actions. America is now tempted to throw its weight around, neglect old allies and bypass international institutions. Discussing all dimensions of power - military, economic and cultural - Joffe sees America as a geo-political bulldozer that quashes old traditions, while simultaneously providing dispensations around the world. History tells that power generates counterpower. How can America escape the fate of earlier hegemons laid low by lesser nations ganging-up on them? "Uberpower" discusses what America's role should be, discovers how its imperial temptation fares against Islamicist terrorism, and suggests ways in which it can regain the respect and influence it has lost in recent years.