Masters of Illusion

The United States will confront a series of fundamental challenges through the middle of the twenty-first century. Using a theory of economic systems to gauge present and future global conflicts, Steven Rosefielde and D. Quinn Mills see the challenges as posed sequentially by terrorism, Russia, China, and the European Union. In the cases of terrorism, Russia, and China, Western leaders appreciate aspects of these perils, but they are crafting unduly soft policies to deal with the challenges. The authors believe that 'globalists' notwithstanding, such views are myopic in an era where nuclear proliferation has invalidated the concept of mutually assured destruction. What America requires is a new security concept that the authors call 'strategic independence' to enable keeping the peace in dangerous times and foster new generations of leaders capable of acting sanely despite a current public culture addicted to wishful thinking. "While too many writers offer the public mixed cocktails, Rosefielde and Mills have given us a cold glass of pure spring water. Numerous sacred cows are slaughtered with relish and many idols of the tribe are gleefully smashed. On every page readers will be delighted, provoked, aroused, or enraged, but most of all stimulated to think. This truly iconoclastic work is a book that will provoke what hopefully will be a long lasting debate here and abroad." Professor Stephen Blank, Strategic Studies Institute, US Army War College "Government think tanks around the world are working on policies how to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Professors Rosefielde and Mills' book addresses the need for a new American agenda for strength and security for the beginning of this century. It is provoking and challenging, and necessary to read!" Jan Rylander, Chairman of Research and Technology of WEAO, Western European Union "Masters of Illusion is an exceptional achievement and a fascinating read. It presents a compelling analysis in depth of world affairs and political-economic-strategic trends that greatly challenge the security and well-being of the United States. It also contains a cogent critique of American leadership and certain illusions that often misdirect policy. This is the best single book on international trends that I have read in a long time." William Van Cleave, Dept. of Defense & Strategic Studies, Missouri State University "Coming from outside the mainstream of conventional political-science discussions, Rosefielde and Mills offer what might be called a post-neoconservative book: Rejecting both the Bush Administration's neoconservative foreign and defense policies and the liberal alternatives, the authors advocate a strategic posture which they argue is 'best in future prospect for ourselves and the world.'" J. Peter Pham, director of the Nelson Institute for International and Public Affairs at James Madison University, The National InterestPart I. National Security in the New Age: 1. A world wounded; 2. Long-term economic realism; Part II. American Public Culture and the World: 3. 'Smooth comforts false' - the illusions that confuse us; 4. Towers of illusion: dysfunctional behaviors; 5. Mythomaniacs: the sources of our illusions; Part III. American Public Culture and Ourselves: 6. Champions of freedom or imperialists: how we're perceived; 7. We're different now; Part IV. The Reconfiguration of National Wealth and Power: 8. The economic roots of American power; 9. Economic disparities amongst nations; 10. Geopolitical aspirations of the nations; Part V. Vortexes of Danger: 11. A Witch's brew of troubles: the next big wars; 12. The Middle East; Part VI. The American Response: 13. Strategic independence: an ounce of prevention; 14. America as mature superpower; Part VII. Leading Toward Peace: 15. The dangers of overreach; 16. The transatlantic trap; 17. The middle course; Part VIII. American Presidential Leadership: 18. How public culture inhibits presidential leadership; 19. Choosing a great president; 20. Masters of illusions; Endnotes.