Hubris and the American Experience in Vietnam

Hubris and the American Experience in Vietnam

This book explores the role hubris played in the military and foreign policy decisions that led to the Vietnam War. The author details the 30 year history of America's involvement in Vietnam. Despite numerous warning flags America entered what was a Vietnamese civil war on the side of an unpopular dictator. The author highlights seven "off-ramps" over the 30 years that could have led to peace. It is the authors contention that the final outcome of the war was determined and foretold in 1965 before major American ground units were committed. This was framed by military as well as political constraints that led to the outcome. Underlying these decisions was the human failing of hubris that caused the abandonment of caution and logic.