“War presidents” are a common theme in modern American history, with every president since Wilson engaging in conflicts while striving for peace. Angelo Codevilla argues that this paradox stems from leaders envisioning the world as they desire rather than as it truly is. They treat war as an anomaly rather than a tool of statecraft, assuming that all nations aspire to American ideals. Consequently, these leaders pursue grand objectives while undermining their own goals. Using examples primarily from the Bush II administration but also covering the past century, Codevilla presents a guide to enduring principles of foreign policy. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on practical aspects like diplomacy, alliances, war, economic statecraft, intelligence, and prestige, rather than relying on vague concepts such as “international community” and “collective security.” Codevilla does not align with realism, neoconservatism, or liberal internationalism; instead, he draws from the insights of historians like Thucydides and Churchill, who examined international relations without imposing misleading frameworks. The work aims to encourage future presidents to ground their strategies in reality rather than idealism, to avoid perpetuating cycles of violence.
Angelo M. Codevilla Pořadí knih (chronologicky)
Angelo M. Codevilla byl profesorem mezinárodních vztahů na Bostonské univerzitě. Jeho práce se soustředila na mezinárodní vztahy z pohledu historie a charakteru národů. Předtím působil v americkém námořnictvu, v diplomatické službě a v Senátním výboru pro zpravodajské služby. Během svého působení na Hooverově instituci se věnoval psaní knih o válce, zpravodajských službách a charakteru národů.




Between the Alps and a Hard Place
Switzerland in World War II and the Rewriting of History
- 248 stránek
- 9 hodin čtení
In Between the Alps and a Hard Place , Professor Angelo M. Codevilla reveals how the true history of the Swiss in World War II has been buried beneath a modern campaign of moral blackmail that has accused Switzerland of secretly supporting Nazi Germany and sharing culpability for the Holocaust.
Rethinking the Western Tradition: The Prince
- 192 stránek
- 7 hodin čtení
Tells how to obtain and hold on to power unencumbered by ethical considerations, and includes modern commentary
War: Ends and Means - With a New Foreward on the Gulf War
- 352 stránek
- 13 hodin čtení