More About Me

Answers to the five questions you’ve been wanting to ask:

Q: Why a Book?

A: Throughout my career, it seems I have always thought in book-length rather than article length ideas, not an entirely rewarding trait for a political scientist. Looking at the literature on Iraq, there was a glut of books on why we made a mistake invading (I agree!) and how we have blown the occupation (I also agree!), but not so much on the critical political question of what happens when we leave under different circumstances. That’s what I undertook to discuss, and it simply would not fit into less than a book-length treatment. But then, 40 books later, I guess that’s true of most of the things I look at.

Q: Why a blog?

A: That’s easy. As I was writing the book, it was clear that events were moving so fast that whenever the book was published, it would be partially overcome by events (OBE). How to compensate? A blog that could update and elaborate on points made in the book seemed the best solution for me and the reader.

Q: Why should I read you?

A: This gets to what my late mother used to refer to as “tooting your flute” (“if you don’t toot your own flute, nobody’s going to toot it for you”–old east Tennessee saying). I think there are two reasons. First, I bring a fairly unique perspective to the subject. I am a basically liberal academic, but I have also worked, interacted, and taught military leaders at the country’s three service war colleges. I think my understanding is conditioned by that experience. Second, I think I write pretty well (but that’s your call).

Q: What are your politics?

A: I think of myself as a (John) Kennedy liberal. That makes me pretty liberal on domestic issues, but more middle-of-the-road on foreign and security matters. On the latter, I am pretty much a traditional realist, which means I think force should only be used in defense of vital national interests (which is the main reason I oppose the Iraq War). I am a registered Democrat in a community where that leaves me very much in the minority (Hilton Head Island, SC).

Q: Basketball, baseball, or football?

A: All of the above. Basketball: I am a native Hoosier; need more be said? Baseball: The last World Series (Rox-Sox or Rockies-Sockies, as you prefer) was agony, since those are my two teams. Football: Colorado, Indiana (alma maters) and Alabama (employer) for college, Denver Broncos for pros. I also coached soccer for 14 years from 8-year-olds to adults.