Daniel A. Sjursen Libri

"Written by a combat veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a former professor of US history at West Point, his alma mater, this book grew out of the lectures Sjursen produced for the survey course he taught to cadets. Sjursen challenges readers to think deeply and critically and to apply common sense to their understanding of our republic's history. Covering all of the major events, movements and figures in American history, Sjursen flips the lens, offering fresh insights and uncommon empathy"-- Publisher

What is patriotism in our volatile age? This incendiary work by Danny Sjursen is a personal cry from the heart by a once model U.S. Army officer and West Point graduate who became a military dissenter while still on active duty. Set against the backdrop of the terror wars of the last two decades, Sjursen asks whether there is a proper space for patriotism that renounces entitled exceptionalism and narcissistic jingoism. Once a burgeoning believer and budding conservative, who performed an intellectual and spiritual about face, Sjursen calls for a critical exploration of our allegiances, and suggests a path to a new, more complex notion of patriotism. Equal parts somber and idealistic, this is a story about what it means to be an American in the midst of perpetual war, and what the future of patriotism might look like.

The narrative follows an American officer as he navigates the complex interplay of war and politics while serving with the 61st Cavalry in Iraq. Through his experiences, the book delves into the harsh realities faced by soldiers, the moral dilemmas of combat, and the impact of political decisions on the ground. It offers a profound exploration of duty, sacrifice, and the psychological toll of military service amidst the backdrop of a tumultuous conflict.