Nemesis - the Last Days of the American Republic

Chalmers Johnson is president of the Japan Policy Research Institute & professor emeritus at the University of California, San Diego, has written numerous books on Japan & Asia including his classic "Miti & the Japanese Miracle"&"Japan: Who Governs?" He was also, for many years, an advisor to the CIA.

From his publisher:

The long-awaited final volume of Chalmers Johnson''s bestselling
"Blowback" trilogy confronts the overreaching of the American empire and the threat it poses to the republic. In his prophetic book "Blowback," Chalmers Johnson linked the CIA''s clandestine activities abroad to disaster at home. In The Sorrows of Empire, he explored the ways in which the growth of American militarism and the garrisoning of the planet have jeopardized our stability. Now, in "Nemesis," he shows how imperial overstretch is undermining the republic itself, both economically and politically. Delving into new areas--from plans to militarize outer space to Constitution-breaking presidential activities at home and the devastating corruption of a toothless Congress--"Nemesis" offers a striking description of the trap into which the dreams of America''s leaders have taken us. Drawing comparisons to empires past, Johnson explores in vivid detail just what the unintended consequences of our dependence on a permanent war economy are likely to be. What does it mean when a nation''s main intelligence organization becomes the president''s secret army? Or when the globe''s sole "hyperpower," no longer capable of paying for the vaulting ambitions of its leaders, becomes the greatest hyper-debtor of all times?
In his stunning conclusion, Johnson suggests that financial bankruptcy could herald the breakdown of constitutional government in America--a crisis that may ultimately prove to be the only path to a renewed nation

Johnson was interviewed on The Current - April 18, part three. If you have realaudio, and half an hour to spare, I suggest that you listen. I think I will be picking up those three books.

In the interview, Johnson points out that one can either have a domestic republic or a foreign empire, but not both. Further, that the only way to have the empire is through a military dictatorship.

As one standing on the outside of America, Johnson's premise and prediction have a frightening ring of clarity - the constitution is effectively eroded, the influence of congress has all but disappeared.

If the price of Liberty is eternal vigilence, The USA is asleep at the wheel.