Making the World Safe for Democracy

“A cautionary tale highlighting the need for continued military preparedness and the political will to use it wisely.” — Military Review

“A fine primer on 20th-century world politics. Recommended for general readers, upper-division undergraduates, and graduate students.” — CHOICE

”Fascinating and insightful. . . . An excellent study which convincingly illustrates the need for pragmatic American engagement in world affairs.” — Virginia Quarterly Review

“Amos Perlmutter’s splendid Making the World Safe for Democracy . . . could not be more timely. . . . He writes with concision and authority.” — Jacob Heilbrunn, Wall Street Journal

“A provocative account of the three 'world orders' that have dominated the century. Perlmutter’s erudition and common sense illuminate our times. Clearly written, crisply argued. Highly recommended.” — Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, former U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations

“Perlmutter’s thesis may be stated briefly: Wilsonianism, despite its blemishes and hypocrisies, is the sole (hypothetical) contender for establishing 'world order.' But that would require the American people to embrace interventionism and hegemonialism. In the absence of a serious external challenge, such an embrace will not take place. In practice, we shall seek a foreign policy 'on the cheap' — despite grandiose rhetoric. The American people cannot be mobilized to embrace a struggle against nebulous foes or complicated civil wars.” — James Schlesinger, former secretary of defense

“In a comparative analysis of the three great efforts at world order in this century — Wilsonianism, Nazism, and Leninism/Stalinism — Amos Perlmutter has written an illuminating essay on the limits of ideology. Making the World Safe for Democracy merits the close consideration of those intent on coming to terms with the international politics of a passing age.” — Robert Tucker, Johns Hopkins University

“Amos Perlmutter’s book develops a timely theme by identifying and examining the three political movements of this century that have tried to promote world orders. A succinct, insightful, and important work.” — Kenneth N. Waltz, University of California, Berkeley