The Forever War

The Forever War by Nick Bryant takes readers on an incisive journey through America's political landscape, offering a powerful analysis of the country's deep-seated polarisation that has been centuries in the making. As the United States approaches the significant milestone of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Bryant delves into how the American experiment is seemingly faltering, plagued by division, distrust, and widespread misinformation.

Using a blend of brilliant storytelling and meticulous historical research, Bryant argues that today's rampant hate, divisiveness and paranoia are not aberrations but rather integral parts of America's narrative. From the American Civil War to the Kennedy assassination, from the inner-city race riots of the late '60s to the more recent school shootings and the tragedy of George Floyd's murder, Bryant contends that these events reflect a recurring pattern of insurrection and violence that sadly resonates throughout the history of the United States.

The book meticulously explores how the very compromises that were initially designed to preserve the union—such as the Reconstruction Amendments aimed at extending rights to formerly enslaved people and the apportionment of political power—have left enduring conflicts and unresolved issues. In the present, these historical tensions have resurfaced with a vengeance, threatening the fabric of American society.

With contemporary events such as the storming of the Capitol, the controversial overturning of Roe v. Wade, and the intensifying debates over Second Amendment rights, the spectre of further political violence, and even the possibility of a second civil war, looms large. Bryant portrays a country caught between its contentious past and an uncertain future, shedding light on the true extent of America's modern-day malaise.

Dominic Sandbrook, host of The Rest is History, praises Bryant's work, stating, "Bryant writes as both a keen political reporter and a first-class historian, interweaving past and present to supremely powerful effect. It's a superb achievement."

The Forever War is not just a recount of historical events but a crucial commentary on the current state of the American nation, offering a sombre reflection on the challenges it faces as it attempts to navigate its way forward. This compelling and thought-provoking book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the deeper roots of America's present-day struggles.