Agonies of Empire

The book explores the pivotal moments in American history following the 2020 election and the January 6th Capitol attack, highlighting the nation's internal divisions and external skepticism. It examines the responses of five presidents—Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden—to the challenges of a declining empire. Michael Cox, a prominent scholar, provides a critical framework for understanding U.S. foreign policy since the Cold War, questioning whether America can maintain its influence on global affairs or if it is destined for decline.