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Cover of The American Empire

The American Empire

Written by Scott Nearing

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About this book

"The American Empire" by Scott Nearing is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the emergence of the United States as an empire, exploring its political evolution and the implications of its expansionist policies. It addresses historical themes including colonization, the impact of industrialization, and the social consequences of America’s imperial ambitions. At the start of the book, Nearing outlines the founding principles of the American Republic, referencing the ideals established during the revolutionary fervor of 1776, which emphasized liberty and equality. He contrasts these ideals with the reality of growing class privileges and the systematic subjugation of Native Americans and other marginalized groups. The opening chapters lay the groundwork for a critical analysis of how America transitioned from a republic founded on democratic ideals into an imperial power, raising essential questions about freedom, inequality, and the moral costs of empire-building in the context of both domestic and foreign policy.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The American Empire, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • advanced
  • analytical
  • critical
  • polemical

Scott Nearing's "The American Empire" is a seminal work of anti-imperialist critique, published in 1921, that meticulously dissects the economic and political forces driving the United States towards global dominance. Nearing argues that American capitalism, propelled by the need for raw materials, new markets, and outlets for surplus capital, inevitably leads to imperial expansion, mirroring the historical trajectory of European powers. He challenges the prevailing notion of American exceptionalism, presenting the U.S. as a burgeoning empire whose pursuit of economic advantage abroad fosters militarism, exploitation, and international conflict. The book serves as a foundational text for understanding the economic roots of American foreign policy and its global implications.

“"The American Empire is not a matter of choice; it is a matter of economic necessity."”

Key themes

Capitalism and Imperialism
This is the central theme, arguing that imperialism is not an accidental policy but an inevitable and logical stage of advanced capitalism. Nearing asserts that the inherent drive of capitalism to generate surplus capital necessitates constant expansion to find new markets, raw materials, and investment opportunities abroad, thus leading to imperial conquest and control.
Militarism and War
Nearing demonstrates that military power is an indispensable tool for imperial expansion and maintenance. He argues that the protection of foreign investments, the enforcement of trade agreements, and the suppression of local resistance necessitate a robust and aggressive military, leading to increased militarization of society and a higher propensity for international conflict.
The Myth of American Exceptionalism
Nearing directly challenges the prevalent belief that the United States is inherently different from and morally superior to European empires. He argues that the U.S. follows the same economic logic and exhibits the same imperialistic tendencies, driven by capitalism, demonstrating that its actions are not exceptional but rather a continuation of historical patterns of empire-building.

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