Modernizing Repression

"A timely and important work, impressive for the breadth of its research, the clarity of its organization, the depth of its insight, and the acuity of its focus on a problem that has remained, for over a century, central to U.S. foreign policy."—Alfred W. McCoy, author of Policing America's Empire: The United States, the Philippines, and the Rise of the Surveillance State

"A splendid contribution to the existing literatures that will be highly valued and much quoted by scholars and practitioners alike."—Martha D. Huggins, author of Political Policing: The United States and Latin America

"When Henry Kissinger once famously quipped, 'A country that demands moral perfection in its foreign policy will achieve neither perfection nor security' he was articulating a point of view that has long held sway among many Western leaders. Kuzmarov's book might not tip the balance in favor of a more just and morally consistent world, but it's at least a thumb on the scale, and worthy of every reader's time and careful consideration."—James Broderick, author of Now A Terrifying Motion Picture: Twenty Five Classic Works of Horror Adapted from Book to Film, BookPleasures.com

"Social issues and political studies collections will find this an excellent add--and much food for thought!"—The Midwest Book Review

"The scale and scope of research is remarkable, as is the author's astute ability to reduce complex issues into a readable narrative. . . . Kuzmarov has created in one insightful volume a superb history of an often-neglected aspect of American foreign policy."—The Journal of American History

"Kuzmarov identifies an important and understudied dimension of American foreign policy."—American Historical Review

"This book helps question the narratives of American exceptionalism and triumphalism . . . that ignore some of the darker chapters of America's role in the world, especially in the Cold War and its aftermath in places such as Iraq. It is a welcome addition to the historical literature that will undoubtedly serve as a precursor to a larger study on the topic."—H-Diplo