From Italy to the Indian Ocean; from Japan to Honduras; a far-reaching examination of the perils of American military bases overseasAmerican military bases encircle the globe. More than two decades after the end of the Cold War; the U.S. still stations its troops at nearly a thousand locations in foreign lands. These bases are usually taken for granted or overlooked entirely; a little-noticed part of the Pentagon's vast operations. But in an eye-opening account; "Base Nation" shows that the worldwide network of bases brings with it a panoply of ills and actually makes the nation less safe in the long run.As David Vine demonstrates; the overseas bases raise geopolitical tensions and provoke widespread antipathy towards the United States. They also undermine American democratic ideals; pushing the U.S. into partnerships with dictators and perpetuating a system of second-class citizenship in territories like Guam. They breed sexual violence; destroy the environment; and damage local economies. And their financial cost is staggering: though the Pentagon underplays the numbers; Vine's accounting proves that the bill approaches $100 billion per year.For many decades; the need for overseas bases has been a quasi-religious dictum of U.S. foreign policy. But in recent years; a bipartisan coalition has finally started to question this conventional wisdom. With the U.S. withdrawing from Afghanistan and ending thirteen years of war; there is no better time to re-examine the tenets of our military strategy. Base Nation is an essential contribution to that debate."
#641214 in Books 2016-11-17Original language:English 9.50 x 1.00 x 6.40l; .0 #File Name: 1623494680304 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. ExcellentBy Gail FailI read Pinkerton's book as part of my research on my great grandfather Jim Wyrick; who probably followed Trammel's Trace into Nacogdoches around 1850. The historical information was useful; because it gave me a better picture of what it was like for may relatives in that time and place. But the book is entertaining; and I would have liked it even if I were not looking for more east Texas history. Pinkerton obviously shares my fascination of the east Texas forests; waterways and people. He writes with authority and compassion. I highly recommend his book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great bookBy start3Mr Pinkerton absolutely loves East Texas and has shared a great story. If you love Texas history; you should read this.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book in my case as it covers north/east Texas; and Routes folks used in this area; and other areas.By Review13Must have book for family researchers; especially; those who had folks migrate to North / East Texas; plenty of history and some maps of the trace; and migration path; my folks settled Bowie Co TX 1845; no doubt they used this trial. Wish they would have shown the path through Bowie Co using Headrights; all I know is my 3xgr lived a mile south of this trace; however; plenty of information; that is useful for us researchers.
