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sharlappalachia's review against another edition
3.0
Read for American Imagination: The Gilded Age to the Cold War. An excellent follow-up to War and Peace, Niebur offers thoughtful views on modernity, America, liberalism, conservatism, communism, and man's (both the collective and individual) role in history. Otherwise, very wordy and the sentences are crazy long.
adamrshields's review against another edition
4.0
Short Review: This is an oddly relevant book considering it was written in 1952 and based on lectures given in 1949 and 1951. Niebuhr is talking about the constraints of American foreign policy. In particular he is talking about the rise of communism but many of the principals are still relevant in our modern world with the non-state terrorist actors and the relatively minor dictators like North Korea. Obama has trumpeted his love of Niebuhr and that may have turned off some foreign policy conservatives. But I think it is those conservatives that will most agree and get most out of Niebuhr. The basic thought is that the very strengths of a country are also ironically the root of its weaknesses. His prime example is that the US's view of itself as separate or called is the root of its hubris in worldwide actions. Niebuhr is dense, but this is one of his more readable books. It is brief and well worth the time, especially if you are a Christian looking for ways to understand the role of government.
Full review on my blog at http://bookwi.se/the-irony-of-american-history-by-reinhold-niebuhr/
Full review on my blog at http://bookwi.se/the-irony-of-american-history-by-reinhold-niebuhr/
drbobcornwall's review
4.0
A foundational statement from one of America's greatest theologians/ethicists. Lays out critique of American vision itself, while arguing for strong response to communism, which he sees as an alternative religion.
jramm's review
4.0
Niebuhr outlines the great ironies of American history, which are: the persistent sin of American Exceptionalism, the indecipherability of history, the false allure of simple solutions, and the failure to appreciate the limits of power (I stole that summary from the intro).
Although most of the book is a diatribe against Communism, Niebuhr does not glorify American democracy. His insights into American aggression in 1952 have been validated. More prophet than author at this point. I loved his stark realism and kept searching for a pen to underline the text.
There is a blurb on the back of the book by then-Senator Obama. I think Obama's presidential record reflects Niebuhr's positions.
Niebur chases both liberals and conservatives alike. He dispels their with frightening insight. Observing Niebuhr's America is like watching a parade where the tuba player keeps tripping on his shoe lace but refuses to tie it.
A quote to sum up: "The controversy between those who would 'plan' justice and order and those who trust in freedom to establish both is, therefore, an irresolvable one. Every healthy society will live in the tensions of that controversy until the end of history; and will prove its health by preventing either side from gaining complete victory."
(edited for clarity in 2014)
Although most of the book is a diatribe against Communism, Niebuhr does not glorify American democracy. His insights into American aggression in 1952 have been validated. More prophet than author at this point. I loved his stark realism and kept searching for a pen to underline the text.
There is a blurb on the back of the book by then-Senator Obama. I think Obama's presidential record reflects Niebuhr's positions.
Niebur chases both liberals and conservatives alike. He dispels their with frightening insight. Observing Niebuhr's America is like watching a parade where the tuba player keeps tripping on his shoe lace but refuses to tie it.
A quote to sum up: "The controversy between those who would 'plan' justice and order and those who trust in freedom to establish both is, therefore, an irresolvable one. Every healthy society will live in the tensions of that controversy until the end of history; and will prove its health by preventing either side from gaining complete victory."
(edited for clarity in 2014)
alex_ellermann's review
4.0
'The Irony of American History' is the kind of book I like to highlight, mark up, write in the margins. This is the kind of book one doesn't passively read, but actively engages.
And it's worth the effort.
This book, published at the height of the Korean War in 1952, is a Cold War-era volume of political philosophy with a direct application to America's place in the world right now. With a clear understanding of the recently-defeated evil of Nazism and the then-present danger of Communism, Niebuhr teaches the reader to embrace America's leadership position while remaining mindful of the essential irony of a self-proclaimed messianic "beacon on the hill" engaging in the same kinds of empire-building whose vilification forms an essential part of its own foundation.
This is heavy stuff, and it isn't always an easy read. However, 'The Irony of American History' rewards serious readers by giving us fodder for deep contemplation on the subject not only of American history, but of the American present and future. Every serious American, particularly those of us working in the pol/mil/dip world, should read this book. It's important.
And it's worth the effort.
This book, published at the height of the Korean War in 1952, is a Cold War-era volume of political philosophy with a direct application to America's place in the world right now. With a clear understanding of the recently-defeated evil of Nazism and the then-present danger of Communism, Niebuhr teaches the reader to embrace America's leadership position while remaining mindful of the essential irony of a self-proclaimed messianic "beacon on the hill" engaging in the same kinds of empire-building whose vilification forms an essential part of its own foundation.
This is heavy stuff, and it isn't always an easy read. However, 'The Irony of American History' rewards serious readers by giving us fodder for deep contemplation on the subject not only of American history, but of the American present and future. Every serious American, particularly those of us working in the pol/mil/dip world, should read this book. It's important.