Superpower Syndrome: America's Apocalyptic Confrontation with the World (Nation Books)

Lifton, Robert Jay

ISBN 10: 1560255129 / ISBN 13: 9781560255123

Published by Nation Books, 2003

Seller Inventory # 1560255129-3-21059134

Synopsis:

No one is better equipped than psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton-a leading scholar of thought control and mass violence- to make sense of the extreme moment. From Hiroshima survivors to Nazi doctors, from Vietnam veterans to the cult that sarin-gassed the Tokyo subways, he has explained to us global apocalyptic urges, the ravages of psychic numbness, and the psychology of the survivor. Now, as al- Qaeda's desire to purify the earth of "evil" meets the unilateral urge to dominate the globe's sole superpower, Lifton believes we have arrived at a remarkably perilous moment. The United States-from its leaders to much of its people-feels itself painfully vulnerable and thinks of itself as a survivor nation. The combination of such feelings roiling through the land over the last year and an administration with unprecedented military power bent on dominating and purifying the earth adds up to an intensely dangerous atmosphere-in fact, a "syndrome." Unfortunately, there is no therapy available for empires-or rather, the only therapy available is self-prescribed. But while Lifton can't be therapist to the earth's last superpower, he can bring together a half century of wisdom and apply it to Superpower Syndrome.

Review: "As with all of Mr. Lifton's reflections on politics and psychology, this one [Destroying the World to Save It] has many powerful and compelling insights."

Bibliographic Details

Title: Superpower Syndrome: America's Apocalyptic ...
Publisher: Nation Books
Publication Date: 2003
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Good