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Paul Kennedy Discusses What He Call the U. S.'s "Imperial Overstretch."

Paul Kennedy, professor of history at Yale University and author of the new book The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers: Economic Change and Military Conflict from 1500 to 2000. In it, Kennedy contends that all great powers have floundered over their inability to limit foreign commitments in the face of rising domestic obligations. The book has introduced the term "imperial overstretch" to the political vocabulary. (Interview by Faith Middleton)

27:06

Other segments from the episode on March 31, 1988

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, March 31, 1988: Interview with Paul Kennedy; Review of George Strait's and Steve Wariner's new albums; Interview with David Tanenbaum; Review of the film "Biloxi Blues."

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