Books matching: u.s. military interventions

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  1. 'Killing Hope: U.S. Military and C.I.A. Interventions Since World War II' by William Blum is a detailed and heart-wrenching history of the USA's involvement in torture and murder in dozens of different countries in the last 60 years. The book meticulously documents American interventions throughout the world, including well-known events like Korea and Vietnam, as well as lesser-known interventions. Blum's writing style presents a harrowing picture of deceit, denial, and amoral manipulation to secure the industrial military political equilibrium, working chronologically through the last 60 years of political history.

    Blum's 'Killing Hope' is described as a devastating attack on America's actual foreign policies, as opposed to the propaganda fed to the public. The book provides a damning view of US CIA policy since WWII, offering highly opinionated hot takes on US actions abroad, covering events from the '53 overthrow of Mossadegh to Dubya's invasion of Panama. The author's meticulous documentation, lack of indulgence in repetition, and use of mainstream sources like the NYT for citations make this book a detailed and shocking reference for understanding US foreign interventions post-WWII.

    The two sides had been clashing across the Parallel for several years. What happened on that fateful day in June could thus be regarded as no more than the escalation of an ongoing civil war. The Nort...

  2. 'Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq' by Stephen Kinzer is a detailed account of fourteen instances of U.S. intervention to promote regime change, replacing existing governments with ones preferred by the U.S. The book covers a range of interventions from Hawaii to Iraq, highlighting the rise of the CIA after WWII and its influence, especially in Latin America during the Cold War years. Kinzer delves into the history of imperialism, detailing how the U.S. government overthrew democratically elected leaders around the world for political reasons and access to resources. The narrative explores the implications of U.S. interventionism and the tragic long-term effects of these regime changes.

    Darkness had already enveloped Honolulu when a pair of well-dressed conspirators knocked on one of the most imposing doors in town. The man they came to visit held the key to their revolution. He was ...

  3. Billions & Billions: Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium by Carl Sagan is a collection of essays that covers a wide range of topics, from science and environmental crises to ethics, nuclear war, and personal reflections. Sagan's writing style is described as accessible, informative, and thought-provoking, with a focus on making complex scientific concepts understandable to a general audience. The book includes a mix of personal anecdotes, philosophical reflections, and scientific insights that aim to inspire curiosity and interest in topics like astronomy, physics, and the importance of science in our lives.

    Three hundred million years ago the Earth was covered by vast swamps. When the ferns, horsetails, and club mosses died, they were buried in muck. Ages passed; the remains were carried down underground...

  4. Naomi Klein's 'The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism' is a compelling and eye-opening exploration of how global economics and geopolitics intersect to create environments of exploitation, ruthlessness, and cruelty. Klein argues that disasters, whether natural, political, or economic, are seized upon by global corporations to further their agenda, leading to the privatization of public services and the perpetuation of wealth inequality. Through a series of well-researched examples, Klein reveals the insidious nature of disaster capitalism and its impact on societies around the world. The book is a thought-provoking examination of the modern capitalist state and the influence of multinational corporations on government functions.

    Klein's writing style is described as daring, passionate, and journalistic. She presents a collection of facts in a compelling and informative manner, drawing readers in with her thought-provoking analysis of historical events and economic ideologies. The book challenges readers to rethink their understanding of global capitalism and the forces at play in shaping modern society, offering a critical perspective on the intersection of politics, economics, and power dynamics.

    I went to the slaughterhouse to observe this so-called "electric slaughtering," and I saw that the hogs were clamped at the temples with big metallic tongs which were hooked up to an electric current ...

  5. #5

    Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins
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    "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" by John Perkins is a memoir that delves into the author's experiences as an economic consultant working for the U.S. government. Perkins describes how he, along with others like him, manipulated developing countries into taking on large loans that they could not repay, leading to economic subjugation and exploitation by international corporations. The book sheds light on the inner workings of high-stakes economic games that benefit major corporations at the expense of third-world economies, ultimately revealing the dark side of U.S. foreign policy and industrial influence.

    I was an only child, born into the middle class in 1945. Both my parents came from three centuries of New England Yankee stock; their strict, moralistic, staunchly Republican attitudes reflected gener...

  6. #6

    Harlot's Ghost by Norman Mailer
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    'Harlot's Ghost' by Norman Mailer is a mammoth novel that delves into the life of a CIA agent, Harry Hubbard. The plot revolves around espionage and intrigue, focusing on the impact of deceit and manipulation on individuals involved in espionage activities. The story spans from the late 1950s through the 1970s, exploring the complexities of CIA operations and their effects on the characters' souls. The writing style is described as dense and intellectual, framed within a profound relationship between the protagonist, Harry Hubbard, and Kittredge Montague. The novel includes historical figures like Frank Sinatra, Fidel Castro, and the Kennedy brothers, providing insight into the Cold War era and world politics at the time.

    LET ME OFFER THE PRIMARY FACT. I AM A HUBBARD. BRADFORD AND FIdelity Hubbard arrived in Plymouth seven years after the Mayflower and branches of the clan are to be found today in Connecticut, Maine, N...

  7. #7

    Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power by Rachel Maddow
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    In "Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power" by Rachel Maddow, the author presents a compelling argument that the United States has strayed from the Founders' aversion to war, allowing war to become merely an extension of foreign policy. Maddow delves into the historical evidence and scholarship, backed by her wit and irreverence, to showcase how war-making powers have shifted to the President, contrary to the intentions of the U.S. Constitution. The book explores the consequences of this shift, including the outsourcing of military functions, the rise of Predator drones, and the erosion of the system of checks and balances between the branches of government.

    Maddow's writing style is praised for making complex issues accessible through storytelling. She highlights the dangers of concentrating war-making power in the hands of the President, drawing on historical examples from Johnson's administration during the Vietnam War to Reagan's regime in the 1980s. Through meticulous research and analysis, Maddow underscores the importance of reevaluating the role of Congress in decisions of war and the need to involve the public in understanding and shaping military policy.

    THOMAS JEFFERSON WAS A LIFELONG AND HABITUAL FRETTER. He was wary of animal foods, spirituous liquors, state religion, national debt, abolitionists, embittered slaves, unelected federal judges, Yankee...

  8. #8

    The Spy Who Came in from the Cold - George Smiley by John le Carré
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    'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' by John le Carre is a classic spy novel set during the Cold War era, focusing on the protagonist Alec Leamas, a British spy navigating a complex world of espionage and counter-espionage. The plot revolves around Leamas' final assignment in East Germany, filled with twists and turns, moral dilemmas, and unexpected outcomes. The writing style is described as taut, gripping, and masterfully crafted, with a focus on subtle deception, intricate character development, and a sense of paranoia that reflects the mood of the Cold War era.

    ‘Shut up,’ said Leamas from the window. One of the policemen left the hut and walked to the sandbag emplacement two feet short of the white demarcation which lay across the road like the base line of ...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series George Smiley )

  9. Bananas!: How The United Fruit Company Shaped the World by Peter Chapman is a meticulously researched history of the United Fruit Company, highlighting its impact on Central America and the global banana market. The book delves into the dark history of the company's exploitative practices, collusion with governments, and violent suppression of labor movements. Chapman's writing style is described as informative yet engaging, providing readers with a detailed account of how United Fruit shaped the modern concept of multinational corporations and their influence on politics and economics.

    A policeman called to the spot spoke of the selfishness of ‘jumpers’. Locked in their own minds, they didn’t think of anyone ‘down below’. This one killed himself in the Manhattan rush hour and could ...

  10. #10

    Deterring Democracy by Noam Chomsky
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    Deterring Democracy by Noam Chomsky is a thought-provoking and eye-opening book that delves into American foreign policy and its impact on the world stage. Chomsky meticulously outlines the pursuit of power and wealth by the American elite through the lens of preserving capitalism and the interests of big corporations. The book exposes the dark underbelly of U.S. interventions in various countries, shedding light on the ruthless actions taken in the name of freedom and democracy.

    Chomsky's writing style is described as clear, persuasive, and informative, leading readers through a journey of uncovering the hidden agendas behind American government actions. Through detailed accounts and historical analysis, the author challenges conventional narratives and presents a critical examination of the U.S.'s role in deterring democracy worldwide.

    According to the conventional understanding, the Cold War has been a confrontation between two superpowers. We then find several variants. The orthodox version, which is overwhelmingly dominant, holds...

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