Key Books:
* Atomic Diplomacy: Hiroshima and Potsdam (1965): His first major work, exploring the political and strategic context surrounding the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
* The Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb (1995): A revised and expanded edition of "Atomic Diplomacy," offering a more nuanced and critical perspective.
* The American Imperial Presidency (1980): Analyzing the growth of presidential power in American history.
* Unmaking the Cold War: A New History of the Soviet Union (1998): A historical analysis of the Cold War, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of the Soviet Union.
* The Essential Alperovitz: A Reader (2016): A collection of his most important writings, showcasing his intellectual breadth.
* America Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming Our Democracy from Wall Street (2013): A critical analysis of American capitalism and a call for economic democracy.
* What Then Must We Do? Practical Steps to a Revolution in Our Time (2018): A roadmap for progressive change in the US.
* The People's History of the United States (2008): A co-authored edition of Howard Zinn's seminal work, incorporating his own insights.
Other notable writings:
* Numerous articles and essays published in scholarly journals, newspapers, and magazines.
* Co-authored books and edited volumes on various topics.
Themes in his work:
* Critical analysis of U.S. foreign policy: Alperovitz has consistently challenged the prevailing narratives about American foreign policy, particularly regarding the use of military force.
* Economic democracy: He has argued for a more equitable and democratic economic system, advocating for worker ownership and democratic control over corporations.
* History and social justice: Alperovitz believes that understanding history is crucial for building a more just society. He has also been a vocal advocate for social justice movements.
Key contributions:
* Reframing the debate on the atomic bombings: Alperovitz's work has been instrumental in challenging the traditional justifications for the atomic bombings and promoting a more critical understanding of the event.
* Challenging the narrative of the Cold War: He has provided a more nuanced and historical perspective on the Cold War, challenging the prevailing view of the Soviet Union as a monolithic threat.
* Promoting a more democratic and equitable society: Alperovitz has been a leading voice in advocating for economic democracy and a more just and equitable society.
Gar Alperovitz's writings are characterized by their intellectual rigor, historical depth, and unwavering commitment to social justice. He has been a significant voice in American political and intellectual discourse, challenging conventional wisdom and advocating for a more just and equitable world.