Preventive Defense: A New Security Strategy for America by Ashton B. Carter, William J. Perry

From the Publisher

William J. Perry and Ashton B. Carter draw on their experience as leaders of the U.S. Defense Department to propose a new American security strategy for the twenty-first century. After a century in which aggression had to be defeated in two world wars and then deterred through a prolonged cold war, the authors argue for a strategy centered on prevention. The authors' preventive defense strategy concentrates on the dangers that, if mismanaged, have the potential to grow into true threats to U.S. survival in the next century. They also argue for better management of the defense establishment so the United States will retain a strong military prepared to cope with all contingencies deter aggressors and win a conflict it deterrence faits.

Library Journal

The post-Cold War era is still a dangerous time, and the role and structure of America's armed forces continues to be hotly debated. Perry, the former secretary of defense, and Carter, an assistant secretary of defense under Perry, feel that the United States should now focus its efforts on trying to prevent bad situations from degenerating into costly conflicts that could threaten America's friends and vital interests. Their main themes include helping Russia avoid regressing into a weakened and insecure "Weimar" state like Germany after World War I, improving our perceptions of and reactions to China's growing strength, controlling weapons of mass destruction in newly established states or those being developed elsewhere, and preparing for acts of "catastrophic terrorism." Above all, they argue, we need to keep America's military strong and able to deal with a variety of threats. This all seems self-evident, but many people do not want to spend the time or money to address these important issues. This timely book is recommended.--Daniel K. Blewett, Loyola Univ. Lib., Chicago Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

A former secretary and assistant secretary of defense under Clinton divide threats into those to US survival, of which they see none now; to US interests, as in the Persian Gulf and Korean peninsula; and to US security, as in the former Yugoslavia and parts of Africa. They propose pro-active approaches to keep potential threats from developing into real ones. Perhaps to establish their credentials, they include photographs of themselves in various famous situations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknew.com)

The New York Times - Thomas L. Friedman

The most important book by any ex-Clinton official.

What People Are Saying

Gen. Brent Scowcroft
An essential guide to the critical choices that must be made as America rethinks potential threats to national security.
— Former U.S. National Security Advisor

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents