The Hell of Good Intentions

In The Hell of Good Intentions, bestselling author Stephen M. Walt critiques recent American foreign policy, highlighting its failures, particularly the costly "forever wars" in Iraq and Afghanistan. He attributes these issues to a misguided commitment to "liberal hegemony" that has persisted across administrations, ultimately undermining U.S. influence and wasting resources. Walt advocates for a return to a more pragmatic approach called "offshore balancing," which prioritizes national interests over global social engineering. Through a clear and engaging analysis, he presents a pathway toward a more effective and restrained foreign policy.