Limits of Empire

Several times in McMahon's work, he refers to an instance of "almost racism." I would only suggest that McMahon could have elaborated on these instances as I believe they have an important role to play in discussions of South East Asia. Specifically, McMahon makes references to condescension by Americans to those living in South East Asia. It is my belief that assumptions of racial inferiority are linked deeply to this kind of interventionist policy that borders on colonialism. Consideration of these racial perception seems entirely left out from McMahon's book with the exception of a few pompous military officers. I am only curious as to how crucial this aspect actually was to understanding U.S. foreign policy in SEA.