What I'm Reading

Right now I'm reading William Appleman Williams' book The Tragedy of American Diplomacy. Actually I should say re-reading, because I read it for school a few years back. If you want a good refutation of the idea that America's foreign involvement is generally benevolent and helpful, this is it. It covers the America's foreign policy from the period of the "Open Door Notes" up to Vietnam. The pattern seen is one of consistent desire to open markets to American goods. When attempts at democratization are made, it is only in aid of the general goal of opening markets for American profit. And so it continues...

(With thanks to Andrew Fulford for the idea for this post.)