Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan: Taken together, these three conflicts have not only defined American military history over more than half a century, but have also inescapably shaped the culture and politics of the United States-as well as the nations in which they have been fought. This volume brings together international experts on American history and foreign affairs to assess the cumulative impact of the United States' often halting and conflicted attempts to end wars. It offers essential perspectives on both the Cold War and post-9/11 eras and demonstrates just how high the stakes are as the US confronts the real possibility of war without end.