In an era of increasing political division and global uncertainty, Eric Kramer, a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces, provides a unique and deeply informed perspective in his latest work, American Dystopia. Kramer’s book, a fictional but alarmingly plausible account, imagines the United States two years after a total collapse. Through his years of service and global experience, Kramer has witnessed firsthand the fragility of nations and the consequences of political unrest, which he channels into a cautionary tale that feels eerily relevant today.
Kramer’s military background has been instrumental in shaping his vision for the book. With a career spanning over two decades in the Special Forces, Kramer’s expertise ranges from counter-drone warfare to advising foreign militaries. His time with the U.S. Army’s Asymmetric Warfare Group, where he focused on emerging threats, brought him to Ukraine—an experience that continues to influence his outlook. “I’ve spent decades in foreign policy roles, and I’ve seen failed and weak states up close,” Kramer recalls. “I know what it looks like when a state is about to collapse, and that knowledge allowed me to bring a sense of realism to this book.”
Kramer draws on his time spent in conflict zones around the world to depict how a collapse could unfold in the U.S., reflecting not just his experiences but his deep understanding of geopolitical and societal fractures. “For the past two years, I’ve been in Ukraine, advising their armed forces,” he says. “Seeing their fight for democracy really struck me, especially when contrasted with what I was seeing in the West—a growing sense of apathy towards those same democratic values.”
American Dystopia is not your typical speculative fiction. Kramer views it as a warning to his fellow Americans. “There’s been a lot of rhetoric about the potential collapse of the U.S., and frankly, it bothers me,” he says. “People talk about it almost with excitement, but if it were to happen, the consequences would be devastating—globally, not just nationally.” Kramer elaborates on the far-reaching implications, particularly for the global economy. “If the U.S. were to collapse, it could trigger a worldwide depression. We don’t realize how interconnected everything is. Our economy underpins much of the world’s stability.”
The book is structured as a series of vignettes, each from the perspective of a different character living through the fallout of a U.S. collapse. Kramer explains that the diversity of voices was crucial to painting an accurate picture. “I interviewed everyone from schoolteachers to former military members, politicians, and even social media influencers,” he says. “This allowed me to show the ripple effects of such a collapse across different sectors of society.”
One of the more intriguing aspects of the book is Kramer’s portrayal of how the U.S. would geographically fracture. “I examined the political and cultural divides from recent elections, looking at how states and regions voted,” Kramer explains. “For example, I grouped the West Coast together and kept the Northeast united, but states like Texas and Florida went their own way. It’s based on both political leanings and cultural identities.”
A challenge for Kramer was ensuring the book remained nonpartisan, a task he approached with the same discipline and thoroughness he applied to his military career. “I was very aware that the book could be seen as partisan,” he admits. “To counter that, I sent excerpts to friends and colleagues across the political spectrum. Their feedback helped me strike a balance—if both sides thought I was hitting on issues, I knew I was on the right track.”
In addition to exploring societal collapse, American Dystopia delves into the role of emerging technologies, such as unmanned systems and artificial intelligence, in shaping future conflicts. Kramer warns that while technological advancements have the potential to benefit society, they also pose significant risks. “We’re in the middle of a revolution with technology,” he notes. “The battlefield is changing, and Ukraine is a testbed for much of this. Unmanned systems and robotics are going to play a massive role, both positively and negatively, in the coming decades.”
Ultimately, Kramer hopes the book serves as a wake-up call for his fellow Americans. “If I have both sides calling me partisan, then I’ve succeeded,” he says. “This isn’t about left or right—it’s a cautionary tale about what could happen if we don’t come together as a nation.”
Kramer’s years of service have taught him one vital lesson: dialogue and understanding are crucial to overcoming division. “At the end of the day, everyone—whether they’re in a mud hut in Afghanistan or a high-rise in Manhattan—wants the same things: safety, security, and a better future for their families. We need to remember that.”
For a Special Forces veteran who has spent his life on the frontlines of global conflict, American Dystopia is more than just a fictional account—it’s a reflection of real-world lessons learned through years of service, a lifetime of witnessing the fragility of peace, and a plea for unity in an increasingly divided world.
If you’re interested in understanding the potential consequences of a divided America through the lens of a Special Forces veteran, pick up American Dystopia by Eric Kramer. His firsthand experience and unique perspective make this book a compelling read. Get your copy HERE.
