American Empire
In this short, accessible book Layne and Thayer argue the merits and demerits of an American empire. With few, if any, rivals to its supremacy, the United States has made an explicit commitment to maintaining and advancing its primacy in the world. But what exactly are the benefits of American hegemony and what are the costs and drawbacks for this fledgling empire? After making their best cases for and against an American empire, subsequent chapters allow both authors to respond to the major arguments presented by their opponents and present their own counter arguments.
Christopher Layne is Associate Professor in the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Bradley A. Thayer is an Associate Professor in the Dept. of Defense and Strategic Studies at Missouri State University.