BONUS | Ryan Holiday Responds to Daniel Radcliffe

Gangsters of Capitalism tells an urgent story about a formative era of U.S. imperialism, tracing a path from the first wave of U.S. overseas expansionism to the rise of fascism in the 1930s and the crises of democracy today. Jonathan Myerson Katz traveled the world to recreate Butler’s journeys and analyzed personal letters to reveal how memories of U.S. imperialism remain a vital force shaping politics and culture globally. The book is a comprehensive biography of General Smedley Butler, who personified the first four decades of the American imperium, and it tallies the true costs of empire.

This book delves into the history of the United States' expansion beyond its contiguous territories, including its governance of islands, atolls, and archipelagos. It explores how the U.S. transitioned from colonialism to a new form of influence leveraging technology, culture, and military presence. The book covers topics such as the U.S. occupation of the Philippines, the role of English as a global language, and the impact of U.S. bases worldwide. Immerwahr argues that American empire-building began early and continued through various means, often without significant territorial expansion.

In 'War Is a Racket,' Smedley D. Butler offers a searing indictment of the true, profit-driven nature of warfare. Having seen the gruesome realities of combat firsthand, Butler unveils a shocking exposé on how wars are deliberately fomented to line the pockets of the elite. He challenges the noble façades often wrapped around military conflicts and invites readers to question the motives behind global battles. The book highlights how the business of war thrives on the sacrifices of soldiers and taxpayers, benefiting powerful industrialists and corporations. Butler also examines the intricate connections between government officials and major corporations that drive war policies for financial gain.

In 'Civil Disobedience', Thoreau argues that individuals should prioritize their conscience over the dictates of laws. He criticizes American social institutions and policies, particularly slavery and the Mexican-American War. Thoreau contends that government derives its power from the majority rather than from legitimate viewpoints and that people should refuse to follow unjust laws. He recounts his own acts of civil disobedience, including refusing to pay taxes and spending a night in jail, as a model for moral resistance against oppressive laws. Thoreau emphasizes the importance of accepting the consequences of such actions and argues that true reform cannot come from within the government but through individual acts of defiance.