Following the end of World War II, the United States found itself with an unprecedented opportunity that would allow it to become the new arbiter of global affairs, and in this role, the U.S. aspired to remake much of the world in its image. Standing in the way of American global dominance was the Soviet Union, and the U.S. engaged the spread of communism with an unprecedented fervor that would eventually lead to victory. Although perceived as a monumental triumph, America’s Cold War commitment would come with an enormous cost to its national virtuosity and grace. By the end of twentieth century, the United States had transformed into a highly militarized and profoundly different nation, ensuring that the national burdens brought on by the Cold War will continue to plague the U.S. well into the future.

The Paradox of Grace is a photographic history, a revisionist illustration of the Cold War experience, and an essay on the American militaristic evolution. Using a variety of documentary sources, including the U.S. National Archives, contemporary Vietnamese War tourism sites, the underground G.I. Press Service, and images from the bowels of the American defense industry, this investigation attempts to chronicle and expose significant moments in American history that have transformed the consciousness and inspired the actions of the United States as it has risen to the position of the world’s lone super power.

This book is indepedently published by the author as a part of True Cost Productions- a creative project of BE Aware Magazine.