America's power is in decline, its allies alienated, its soldiers trapped in a war that even generals regard as unwinnable. What has happened in the years since 2003 is well known; why it happened continues to puzzle. Celebrated Slate columnist Fred Kaplan explains the grave misconceptions that enabled George W. Bush and his aides to get so far off track, and traces the genesis and evolution of these ideas from the era of Nixon through Reagan to the 21st century.--From publisher description.

The mirage of instant victory -- The fog of moral clarity -- Chasing silver bullets -- Breaking the world anew -- The dreams dissolve into nightmares -- Waking up to reality.