Not Even Past

Brief Summary

Not Even Past by David Fitzgerald is a compelling exploration of the United States' involvement in protracted conflicts such as Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Through a collection of essays penned by renowned scholars, the book delves into why the U.S. struggles to extricate itself from wars and addresses the broader cultural and political impacts these conflicts have had. The work highlights a recurring theme: the failure to define clear strategic objectives has often led to wars fought without a concrete endgame.

Main Themes and Topics

The primary theme of Not Even Past revolves around the persistent difficulties faced by the United States in concluding its military engagements. The book critically examines the cultural amnesia and strategic incoherence that have characterized U.S. foreign policy decisions over the past five decades. Fitzgerald and his contributors argue that the lack of reflective historical thinking has significantly impacted the nation's military strategy, often resulting in wars with undefined objectives and ambiguous end goals.

Another significant topic is the cultural and political impact of these prolonged conflicts, not only on the United States but also on the countries where these wars have taken place. The book discusses how these wars have shaped national identity and credibility both domestically and abroad and questions what the U.S. hoped to achieve and what it ultimately left behind.

Writing Style and Tone

The book is composed of essays that are both lucid and analytical. The tone throughout is critical yet scholarly, aiming to provide readers with profound insights into complex military and political issues. The diverse perspectives brought together in this volume ensure a comprehensive discussion, made accessible through clear and engaging prose.

Criticism

One potential criticism of Not Even Past might be its heavy reliance on expert scholarly essays, which, while insightful, could be challenging for readers unfamiliar with the intricacies of U.S. military history and policy. Some readers looking for a more narrative-driven analysis might find this approach somewhat dense.