Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power

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Technical
  • ID: 9246
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-23
  • ISBN: 9780307461001
  • Publisher: Crown
  • Published: 2012-03-27
  • Reviews: 3

In Drift, Rachel Maddow takes a critical look at America's dangerous drift into a state of perpetual war. With bracing wit and intelligence, she argues that we've moved away from our original ideals and become a nation at ease with constant conflict. Maddow traces this shift from the Vietnam War to today's war in Afghanistan, examining key moments like Reagan's presidency, the rise of executive authority, and the outsourcing of war to private companies. She also explores how a smaller percentage of American families now have children fighting these wars, and even the changing fortunes of G.I. Joe. Ultimately, Maddow shows how our vast military power has overpowered our political discourse, putting our nation at risk. Sensible yet provocative, Drift is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of American democracy./n/nDrift is not just a historical account but a call to action. Maddow's engaging and humorous writing style makes complex political issues accessible, while her thorough research provides a solid foundation for her arguments. She challenges readers to reconsider the role of military power in our society and to demand a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to war. By understanding how we've arrived at this dangerous place, we can begin to chart a course back to the ideals that once defined America.

Reviews
Friends of CV Library · 2025-12-23
entertaining 4.20

This book is entertaining yet scary, examining various facets of the American Armed Forces. It discovers a drift away from original ideals.

The reviewer from Friends of CV Library finds this book both entertaining and scary. They appreciate how Rachel Maddow examines various facets of the American Armed Forces, discovering a drift away from the country's original ideals. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to present a compelling narrative that is both informative and thought-provoking. They note that the book's entertaining yet serious tone makes it a valuable read for anyone interested in American military policy.


Quick quotes

    This is an entertaining yet scary book.

    Rachel Maddow examines various facets of the American Armed Forces, and discovers a drift away from original ideals.

    The book's entertaining yet serious tone makes it a valuable read.

Air University · 2014-02-14
engaging 4.00

The book is an easy read that can be digested in a day. It is enlivened by many amusing stories that make the narrative engaging.

The reviewer from Air University notes that this book is an easy read that can be digested in a day. They appreciate the many amusing stories that enliven the narrative, making it an engaging read. The book's strength lies in its ability to present complex topics in a straightforward and entertaining manner. The reviewer finds the book to be both informative and enjoyable, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in American military policy.


Quick quotes

    The strength of this book is that it is an easy read that can be digested in a day.

    There are many amusing stories that enliven the narrative.

    It presents complex topics in a straightforward and entertaining manner.

Scott Whitmore Writer · Scott Whitmore · 2012-06-05
insightful 4.50

This book is filled with insightful commentary and clear-eyed, highly readable prose. It shows how the United States has drifted into a state of constant war during peacetime.

Scott Whitmore praises this book for its insightful commentary and clear-eyed, highly readable prose. They highlight how the United States has drifted into a state of constant war during peacetime, providing a compelling narrative that is both informative and engaging. Whitmore appreciates the book's ability to present complex issues in an accessible manner, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in American military policy.


Quick quotes

    This important book, filled with insightful commentary and clear-eyed and highly readable prose, shows how the United States went from a country...

    The book is a compelling narrative that is both informative and engaging.

    It presents complex issues in an accessible manner.