The Political Economy of U.S. Militarism [Hardcover]

This wide-ranging, interdisciplinary analysis blends history, economics, and politics to challenge the prevailing accounts of the rise of U.S. militarism. While acknowledging the contributory role of some of the most widely-cited culprits, this study explores the bigger, but largely submerged, picture: the political economy of war and militarism.Introduction The Military-Industrial Giant: An Empire in Itself Imperial Militarisms: Past and Present The Rise of U.S. Militarism Inventing 'Threats to Our National Interests' Militant Islam, Terrorism, and 'Clash of Civilizations' Behind the Invasion of Iraq Waste, Inefficiency and the Spoils of Military Spending The Political Economy of U.S. Military Spending Limits of U.S. Militarism

'Ismael Hossein-zadeh's penetrating analysis of the role of the military-industrial complex in driving U.S. foreign policy and rearranging domestic priorities could not be more timely. With U.S. military spending at levels higher than the peak years of the Vietnam War, Hossein-zadeh provides the most cogent explanation yet of how we got to this point.'

- William D. Hartung, Senior Research Fellow, World Policy Institute at the New School

'America has been overrun not by military force, but by the force of militarism. Using statistics, analysis and historical references, Hossein-zadeh reveals the troubling picture that America may have succumbed to militarism despite the warnings of Washington, Eisenhower and Butler. Hossein-zadeh reveals the true cost of Pentagon programs by adjusting the federal budget for Social Security and unmasking the insatiable, consuming maw of spending run amok. He reveals how budgetary militarism is defeating the New Deal, even as it musters a long term assault on the Bill of Rights and other foundations of American democracy. The Political Economy of U.S. Militarism is a must-read for patriots concerned about the future of the United States.' - Grant F. Smith, Directl3$