How To Hide An Empire

How to Hide an Empire by Daniel Immerwahr is a compelling and eye-opening exploration of the often-overlooked history of the United States as an imperial power. The book reveals how, beyond the familiar map of fifty states, the U.S. has controlled and influenced numerous territories and regions, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Immerwahr uncovers how these areas and their people have been largely excluded from mainstream narratives, despite playing crucial roles in shaping American history, politics, and global presence. Blending vivid storytelling with meticulous research, the author challenges readers to rethink what constitutes the United States and its empire. He also examines how technological, political, and cultural shifts have helped obscure this imperial reach over time. Ultimately, the book offers a fresh perspective on American identity, power, and the hidden structures that continue to shape its global influence today.

About The Author

Daniel Immerwahr is an American historian, writer, and academic known for his insightful work on U.S. history, global power, and empire. He serves as a professor of history at Northwestern University, where his teaching and research focus on modern U.S. history within a global context. Immerwahr gained widespread recognition for his critically acclaimed book How to Hide an Empire, which examines the often-overlooked territorial reach of the United States and challenges traditional narratives of American history. His writing is praised for combining rigorous scholarship with engaging storytelling, making complex historical ideas accessible to a broad audience. He has also contributed essays and articles to prominent publications, reflecting his ability to connect historical analysis with contemporary issues. Through his work, Immerwahr encourages readers to rethink national identity, imperialism, and the ways in which history is remembered, interpreted, and sometimes deliberately obscured.