Routledge US Imperialism: The Changing Dynamics of Global Power (Globalization, Crises, and Change)

This book offers a broad and deep examination of the dynamics of US imperialism. Petras analyzes imperialism not only as economic domination, showing that its impact in the world takes many forms, including cultural, political and historical. He points to the disruptive effects it has on other world regional economies and cultures. Capitalism and imperialism take diverse forms but both are intimately tied to the projection of state power in the service of capital―a strategy designed to advance the geopolitical and economic interests of the US economic elite and ruling class―interests that are equated with the 'US national interest'. Review James Petras has consistently demonstrated a profoundly detailed understanding of the global economic and political power dynamics of empire and crisis in our times. Staying true to form, Petras’ US Imperialism: The Changing Dynamics of Global Power, is a brilliant contribution to the literature that chronicles and analyzes the modus operandi of empires or states that project their power through military and economic means over weaker, poorer foreign countries to dominate their economy and politics to buttress the economic interests of the ruling classes in the empire. Academics, media commentators and political leaders who have ignored the subject matter of US Imperialism, must take notice of its scholarship and relevance in today’s world. ―Dennis C. Canterbury, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology and Social Work, Eastern Connecticut State University, USA James Petras is the undisputed foremost authority on the global and regional dynamics of US imperialism. This collection of his most recent essays on the contemporary dynamics of US imperialism provides a treasure trove of fascinating facts concerning the projection of state power by the United States in the different macro-regions of the world system. The book is also the most comprehensive study of US global economic and political power in the era of the Obama and Trump administration of the US Empire. ―Raúl Delgado Wise, Research Professor and Coordinator, Development Studies PhD, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Mexico This collection of essays shows in very clear language and without academic jargon that the foreign affairs of the United States, and the actual development of countries in Latin America and elsewhere on the periphery of the world system, both currently and in recent years best be understood through the lens of imperialist theory. Petras is one of the world’s foremost authorities on the subject, and the book is a must read for both the scholars and students of international relations and world affairs. ―Henry Veltmeyer, Professor Emeritus of International Development Studies, Saint Mary’s University, Canada While focussing on America’s hegemonic project in the post-Cold era, James Petras provides an incisive understanding of the complex relationship between ‘military imperialism’ and ‘economic imperialism’, which constitutes the pillar of empire building. Global and regional perspectives are presented focussing on regime change in Latin America, US–NATO wars in the Middle East, the rise of Neo-fascism in Ukraine, US–NATO threats directed against Russia, China and Washington’s Pivot to Asia. Petras also analyses how imperialism triggers ‘colonialism at home’ including the demise of the welfare state, rising poverty and social inequality in America. In all respects Petras’ US Imperialism is a carefully documented political economy masterpiece. ―Michel Chossudovsky, Professor Emeritus of Economics, University of Ottawa, USA About the Author James Petras is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Binghamton University. He is the author of over sixty books on the dynamics of global power and Latin American development. They include Power and Resistance: US Imperialism in Latin America and Imperialism and Capitalism in the 21st Century.