📖 Overview
David Vine is a professor of anthropology at American University in Washington, DC, and an expert on U.S. military bases, imperialism, and forced displacement. His research and writing have focused extensively on the impact of American military presence around the world.
Vine is best known for his book "Base Nation: How U.S. Military Bases Abroad Harm America and the World" (2015), which examines the costs and consequences of maintaining hundreds of U.S. military bases globally. His earlier work "Island of Shame" (2009) documented the forced expulsion of the Chagossian people from Diego Garcia to make way for a U.S. military base.
His research has influenced policy discussions and public understanding of American military infrastructure overseas, with his work appearing in major media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardian. Vine has also served as an expert witness in legal proceedings related to the rights of displaced peoples.
He continues to research and write about militarism, war, and foreign policy, regularly contributing to academic and public discourse on these topics through his publications and speaking engagements. His most recent book "The United States of War" (2020) explores how U.S. military bases have shaped global conflict throughout American history.
👀 Reviews
Readers view Vine's work as thoroughly researched and detail-oriented, with clear presentation of data about U.S. military operations and their impacts.
Readers appreciated:
- Extensive documentation and primary sources
- Clear breakdowns of military spending and base costs
- Personal stories of affected communities
- Accessible writing style for complex topics
Common criticisms:
- Some readers found the tone too critical of U.S. military policy
- Repetitive points across chapters
- Limited discussion of counter-arguments
- Dense statistical sections that slow the narrative
Ratings across platforms:
Base Nation:
- Goodreads: 4.0/5 (300+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.4/5 (90+ reviews)
The United States of War:
- Goodreads: 4.3/5 (150+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.6/5 (50+ reviews)
Island of Shame:
- Goodreads: 4.1/5 (200+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.5/5 (40+ reviews)
Readers frequently note Vine's effectiveness in connecting military infrastructure to broader geopolitical issues, though some question his proposed solutions.
📚 Books by David Vine
Base Nation: How U.S. Military Bases Abroad Harm America and the World (2015)
Documents the network of overseas U.S. military bases, their costs, and their effects on local communities and international relations.
Island of Shame: The Secret History of the U.S. Military Base on Diego Garcia (2009) Chronicles the forced displacement of the Chagossian people from Diego Garcia to enable construction of a U.S. military base.
The United States of War: A Global History of America's Endless Conflicts, from Columbus to the Islamic State (2020) Examines the pattern of U.S. military interventions and base-building from colonial times through recent conflicts.
Combat Pay: The Un-Freedom of the American Soldier (Forthcoming) Analyzes the economic and social conditions of U.S. military service members and their families.
Island of Shame: The Secret History of the U.S. Military Base on Diego Garcia (2009) Chronicles the forced displacement of the Chagossian people from Diego Garcia to enable construction of a U.S. military base.
The United States of War: A Global History of America's Endless Conflicts, from Columbus to the Islamic State (2020) Examines the pattern of U.S. military interventions and base-building from colonial times through recent conflicts.
Combat Pay: The Un-Freedom of the American Soldier (Forthcoming) Analyzes the economic and social conditions of U.S. military service members and their families.
👥 Similar authors
Catherine Lutz writes about US military bases and American empire from an anthropological perspective. Her work examines the cultural and social impacts of military presence on local communities, similar to Vine's research on Diego Garcia and other bases.
Chalmers Johnson analyzes American military expansion and its consequences through historical and political frameworks. His "Blowback" series covers many of the same themes as Vine regarding overseas bases and imperial overreach.
Nick Turse investigates military operations and defense spending with a focus on accountability and hidden costs. His research methods and coverage of Pentagon activities parallel Vine's approach to uncovering military infrastructure.
Andrew Bacevich examines American militarism and foreign policy as a former military officer turned scholar. His work on permanent war and military expansion intersects with Vine's analysis of base networks and their role in US power projection.
Catherine Besteman studies militarization and securitization through ethnographic research in various global contexts. Her examination of military power and its effects on communities shares methodological similarities with Vine's fieldwork-based investigations.
Chalmers Johnson analyzes American military expansion and its consequences through historical and political frameworks. His "Blowback" series covers many of the same themes as Vine regarding overseas bases and imperial overreach.
Nick Turse investigates military operations and defense spending with a focus on accountability and hidden costs. His research methods and coverage of Pentagon activities parallel Vine's approach to uncovering military infrastructure.
Andrew Bacevich examines American militarism and foreign policy as a former military officer turned scholar. His work on permanent war and military expansion intersects with Vine's analysis of base networks and their role in US power projection.
Catherine Besteman studies militarization and securitization through ethnographic research in various global contexts. Her examination of military power and its effects on communities shares methodological similarities with Vine's fieldwork-based investigations.