All Measures Short of War Book Review

All Measures Short of War: The Contest for the 21st Century and the Future of American Power by Thomas J. Wright

Introduction

If there is one defining word for the foreign policy of Donald J. Trump, it is ‘incompetence’. For many people Trump’s “America first” philosophy goes against the liberal and internationalist ideas that have shaped US foreign policy since the Second World War. To many, this was true of his predecessors, Barack Obama and George W. Bush. America is not failing as a global leader because its ideas or values are bad, but because the wrong people are in charge. They are too war-like (Bush), not war-like enough (Obama) or just plain ignorant (Trump). Fix the leader, restore credibility and competence, so this line of thought goes, and all will be okay again.

Overview

The above assumption is at the heart of Thomas Wright’s engaging and insightful book ‘All Measures Short Of War’. This highly thought provoking book demonstrates Wright’s skill and efforts as an analyst. His vast knowledge and skills were on display alongside his exquisite penmanship.

Thomas Wright is one of the first scholars who has attempted a serious analysis of Trump’s foreign policy. In his new book, Wright makes a convincing case that an “America First” strategy, as advocated by President Trump, will harm both the world and the US itself.

Going through the book one might conclude that it was originally conceived as a potential handbook for an incoming Clinton administration. The author wryly acknowledges that his recommendations for a reinvigorated US commitment to the liberal international order are unlikely to be met with favor in the Trump White House. As we have seen already and are seeing in Biden White House as well. Nonetheless, Wright’s book is still an immensely useful and comprehensible analysis of the current global balance of power — and therefore of the challenges that will face any occupant of the Oval Office.

Strengths

Wright has two charming attributes as a writer. He is both fair and brief. His pen sketch of the ‘convergence myth’ of the late 1990s, the idea that the world was unifying as democratic and liberal, is an honest portrayal of its merits and challenges, with few wasted words. While many authors would have provided full chapters on the Clinton, Bush, and Obama years, Wright assumes any reader engaged enough to pick up this book would appreciate being given just enough evidence to justify his claims, instead of masses of history to swim through. Wright makes his argument and gets out, with the full book a slim 228 pages.

Shortcomings

While the book offers a short and compelling analysis of the changing dynamics of world power, it is not without its critiques. Some say that the ideas and recommendations for U.S. adaptation are somewhat idealistic and lack realism. Some readers argue that the book tends to oversimplify complex geopolitical issues, particularly in its treatment of the strategies employed by competing nations like China and Russia.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Thomas J. Wright’s exploration of non-military strategies and the evolving nature of power dynamics adds valuable insights to the discourse on international relations. While the book is not without its critiques for potential oversimplification and idealism, it serves as a catalyst for rethinking traditional approaches to geopolitics. As the world navigates an era defined by economic, technological, and ideological competition, “All Measures Short of War” contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for American power. Overall this is a useful contribution to one’s shelf, composed by an author who is a master of his craft.

About the author.