Description
Inscribed to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell, the first edition of Just Cause by Malcolm McConnell.
Octavo, [xii], 307pp. Green hardcover, title in silver on white cloth spine. Stated “First Edition: November 1991” on copyright page. Solid text block, light wear to edges of spine, a fine example. In the publisher’s dust jacket, $22.95 retail price on front flap, light wear to corners, shelf wear, a near fine example. Signed on the front free endpaper: “August, 1993 / For General Colin Powell, I hope this is at least half-way accurate, with respect, Malcolm McConnell.”
The invasion of Panama in 1989 was the first application of the Powell Doctrine, named for the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which called for the use of overwhelming force and a clear objective before committing troops. In his autobiography, Powell states that “the reputation of the American armed forces was on the line” in Operation Just Cause. General Powell (1937-2021) served as the United States Secretary of State during the George W. Bush administration, the first African American to hold the post. He also served as National Security Advisor to President Ronald Reagan (1987-1989) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989-1993. Powell was discussed as a possible Republican presidential contender in 1996 and 2000, but he declined to run both times. He passed away in 2021, survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Alma Powell.
