Grand Improvisation
America Confronts the British Superpower, 1945-1957
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Grand Improvisation
Buy Now for $33.40
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Paul Woodson
-
Written by:
-
Derek Leebaert
About this listen
A new understanding of the post-World War II era, showing what occurred when the British Empire wouldn't step aside for the rising American superpower - with global insights for today.
An enduring myth of the 20th century is that the US rapidly became a superpower in the years after World War II, when the British Empire - the greatest in history - was too wounded to maintain a global presence. In fact, Derek Leebaert argues in Grand Improvisation, the idea that a traditionally insular US suddenly transformed itself into the leader of the free world is illusory, as is the notion that the British colossus was compelled to retreat. The US and the UK had a dozen abrasive years until Washington issued a "declaration of independence" from British influence. Only then did America explicitly assume leadership of the world order just taking shape.
Understanding all of this properly is vital to understanding the rise and fall of superpowers, why we're now skeptical of commitments overseas, how the Middle East plunged into disorder, why Europe is fracturing, what China intends - and the ongoing perils to the US world role.
©2018 Derek Leebaert (P)2019 Tantor