American Coup: How a Terrified Government Is Destroying the Constitution

A stunning exploration of the subtle erosion of freedom in an age of concocted fear and de facto military authority.

When we think of a military coup, the first image that comes to mind is a general, standing at a podium with a flag behind him, declaring the deposing of elected leaders and the institution of martial law.

Think again. In American Coup, William Arkin reveals the desk-bound takeover of the highest reaches of government by a coterie of grey men of the national security establishment. Operating between the lines of the Constitution, this powerful and unelected group fights to save the nation from terror and weapons of mass destruction while at the same time modifying and undermining the very essence of the country. Many books are written about secrecy, surveillance, and government law-breaking; none so powerfully expose the truth of everyday life in this state of war.

Author: William M. Arkin
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Published: 09/10/2013
Pages: 368
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.32lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.10w x 1.50d
ISBN: 9780316251242

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 09/01/2013

About the Author
William Arkin is one of America's premier military experts, having served in Army intelligence in West Berlin during the Cold War. Since then, he has written more than a dozen books, briefed hundreds of top military, intelligence and government officials, and been a part of countless exposés. Working for the Washington Post, he conceived and co-authored the landmark Top Secret America investigation, and co-wrote the national bestseller of the same name with colleague Dana Priest. He lives in Vermont.