While President Obama spoke about a new US approach to foreign policy in the Middle East following the Arab Spring, it was business as usual for the Pentagon. While protestors marched to demand reforms and rights, “trained eyes couldn’t help noticing something startling about the tools of repression in those countries. The armored personnel carriers, tanks, and helicopters used to intimidate or even kill peaceful protesters were often American models.”

Nick Turse writes that this is “a story that should take your breath away.” Certainly, the size and scope of US military interventions across the world accomplishes this. Written during the Obama administration, Turse briefly details how US special ops carry out over 70 special operations a day, how the US is militarily involved in over 120 countries, and how billions of dollars in arms deals happen on a constant basis.

My only criticism is that I wish there was a deeper analysis here. It felt like the author was only scratching the surface.

Despite being a few years old, it proves to be a timely book. As the US violently puts down protestors advocating for the end to the murder of Black Americans by police forces, as well as police and prison abolition, this book is another reminder that violent repression of protest is standard practice for the US government, at home and abroad.