Nice review of my book – coming out next Tuesday, April 10 – from the American Library Association’s Booklist.com.
The Reckoning: Debt, Democracy, and the Future of American Power. Moran, Michael (Author) Apr 2012. 256 p. Palgrave, hardcover, $27.00. (9780230339934). 330.973.
The U.S. can no longer afford the exorbitant cost of national security or be responsible for global security and the sense of manifest destiny on which it is built. Working with the research of renowned economist Nouriel Roubini, Moran forecasts global trends that include the rise of China, India, Brazil and others while the U.S. maintains its strength but sees its “exceptionalism” tarnished. He analyzes the impact of important trends, including crushing U.S. national debt, information technology reducing U.S. influence around the world, the rising prosperity of emerging nations, and the loss of financial credibility because the U.S. triggered the economic crisis of 2008. Will the U.S. learn the lessons of the recent past or continue to deny reality? Moran sees a hopeful sign in the downgrading of debt, which forces tough decisions. But he also notes continued “ideological puritanism” that will wreck any plans for real change. His recommendations include a more manageable military budget, restoration of financial regulations, and strengthening of the middle class. A grim but hopeful analysis of the global position of the U.S. and the dire need for change. — Vanessa Bush
