Book Reviews

"America cannot promote global democracy if it cannot demonstrate it domestically. The first foreign policy requirement is socio-political change—at home."

Beginning with the premise that America’s primary national objective is to ensure its “survival and prosperity,” Corcoran’s comprehensive work of political analysis examines the multi-faceted challenges and threats facing the country, both internally and on the world stage. From natural threats—including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, wildfires, and pandemics—to domestic challenges, such as violent crime, religious freedom, voting issues, wealth inequality, demographic changes, education, employment, and health, Corcoran’s work then turns to the global perspective. Here, such issues as cyber threats, terrorism, and war (conventional, nuclear, biochemical, and otherwise) are examined in detail, with an emphasis on national security and recognition of the threats faced specifically from such players as Russia, China, and the radical Islamic world. From this, a national strategy is advanced that seeks to “fix America first,” then “realign foreign policy” writ large, focused on a “prominence, rather than dominance” perspective.

Part economic philosophy, part sociology, part international affairs, and so much more—all informed by an impressive strategic and national security perspective, Corcoran’s work is an exhaustive, well-documented, stimulating read and call-to-action account of the current state of affairs, both within these fifty states and abroad. The author excels at detailing the interrelationships between the many social and economic areas for improvement domestically with the challenges we as a nation face on the larger, global scale. Corcoran’s book is highly engaging and vastly informative, even for the layperson. The material presented and informed arguments made within these pages highlight a comprehensive assessment of the many challenges facing the nation today. Significantly, the author dedicates just as much thoughtful analysis to offering solutions, as well.

Reviewed by Jonah Meyer.