October 2005. The Savage Wars of Peace. Small Wars and the Rise of American Power, by Max Boot. I have not read a more relevant book to understanding current events, or recent history, than this book. The author chronicles (in a VERY readable way) the engagements of the US Marines (even before they were called "the marines") from disposing of Barbary pirates in the early 1800's, the the Banana Wars and gunboat diplomacy of the early 1900's, US involvement on the side of White Russians in the Russian Revolution, to the 100 years of US military presence in China. The author also clearly outlines the shift in military policy resulting from the US experience in Vietnam. I would love to do this book in the Readable History Bookclub. It's perfect for discussion, but its a little long (~350 pages) to read in one month.  What a great book. Back to reading list
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