Book Review on No Clear And Present Danger

Write a book review on No Clear and Present Danger: A skeptical View Of The United States Entry Into World War II by Bruce M Russett, between 1200-1750 words in length.

Your review should have at least two goals: First, to describe the content of the book, and second, to provide a critical evaluation that gives your thoughts of the book’s quality. Some Points to consider are:

A Just War? It is roundly assumed that World War II was a “just” war (at least for the United States). Was it?

Do wars need to be fought? Who are the beneficiaries? Personally, I believe that stopping the German fascists and the Japanese militarists was a very good thing. But, that is an argument that can only be made in hindsight. Given the circumstances that led to the conflicts with Japan and Germany, what were the real reasons for going to war?

Your introduction should include a thesis statement: What was the book about, and what is your critical opinion. (Hint: When I write, sometimes, I am unclear as to what my thesis is until I have written the the paper. It can work to write (or at least revise) your introduction after the rest of your paper is finished).

Do not spend more than one-third (total) of the paper summarizing the book. The summary should consist of a discussion and highlights of the major arguments, features, trends, concepts, themes, ideas, and characteristics of the book. While you may use direct quotes from the book (make sure you always give the page number), such quotes should never be the bulk of the summary. Much of your grade will depend on how well you describe and explain the material in your own words.

Throughout your paper, interspersed with the summary, I want you to provide a critique of the book. Demonstrate that you know the author’s argument, that you understand the evidence he provides, and discuss why you find the argument compelling (or not).

Book can be found on: http://www.anthonyflood.com/russettnoclearandprese…