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Blowback: Brendan Dubois and the Unintended Consequences of American Interventionism

Ray Blair

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Brendan Dubois' Blowback is a powerful and disturbing account of the unintended consequences of American interventionism. Dubois argues that the US's pursuit of global dominance has led to a series of disastrous wars that have destabilized entire regions and created a breeding ground for terrorism.

Blowback

by Brendan DuBois

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6836 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	512 pages

Dubois begins his book by recounting the history of American interventionism, from the Spanish-American War to the present day. He shows how the US has repeatedly used military force to topple foreign governments, prop up dictatorships, and secure access to natural resources. In ng so, the US has created a legacy of violence and instability that has come back to haunt it in the form of terrorism, insurgencies, and civil wars.

Dubois's analysis is particularly relevant in the wake of the US's recent interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria. These wars have been costly in terms of both human life and financial resources, and they have done little to make the world a safer place. In fact, they have often made things worse by creating power vacuums that have been filled by extremist groups.

Dubois argues that the US must learn from its mistakes and adopt a more restrained foreign policy. He believes that the US should only use military force as a last resort, and that it should always be accompanied by a clear and achievable political strategy. He also calls for the US to invest in diplomacy, development, and other non-military tools to promote peace and stability around the world.

Blowback is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true costs of American foreign policy. Dubois's book is a powerful indictment of the US's interventionist tendencies, and it offers a much-needed corrective to the triumphalist rhetoric that often surrounds American military actions.

The Costs of Interventionism

The unintended consequences of American interventionism are vast and far-reaching. Dubois argues that the US's wars have:

* Destabilized entire regions * Created a breeding ground for terrorism * Wasted trillions of dollars * Cost the lives of thousands of American soldiers and civilians * Damaged the US's reputation around the world

Dubois provides ample evidence to support his claims. He cites the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, and the ongoing civil wars in Libya and Yemen as examples of the blowback that has resulted from American interventionism.

A More Restrained Foreign Policy

Dubois's proposals are not unrealistic. They are based on the lessons of history and the realities of the 21st century. The US can no longer afford to be the world's policeman. It must learn to work with other countries to solve global problems.

Blowback is a powerful and disturbing book, but it is also an important one. Dubois provides a much-needed corrective to the triumphalist rhetoric that often surrounds American military actions. He shows that the US's pursuit of global dominance has come at a great cost. It is time for the US to learn from its mistakes and adopt a more restrained foreign policy.

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