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smtenaglia's review against another edition
5.0
“America has changed whom it brings to the table, and, by extension, it has changed who sits at the other side.”
Farrow’s work is so impressive, as he highlights the changing landscape of US foreign policy and its very real and dangerous consequences, both today and in the future.
Farrow’s work is so impressive, as he highlights the changing landscape of US foreign policy and its very real and dangerous consequences, both today and in the future.
jedwardsusc's review against another edition
5.0
This is a masterful single-volume account of the steady shift away from the State Department and toward the Pentagon in US foreign policy. Farrow defends the vital importance of diplomacy while recounting how administration after administration--of both parties--have chipped away at diplomatic resources and excluded diplomatic experts while relying more and more on military voices and solutions. The Trump administration's full-scale gut of the State Department is the latest and most extreme iteration of this trend, but one of Farrow's strengths is that he situates Trump's hyper-militarism in a wider historical context of anti-diplomatic and pro-military thinking. The result is, as Farrow says, "the story of a life-saving discipline torn apart by political cowardice" (xxxiii).
Military options devalue relationship building and prioritize the quickest paths to "stability" and "order." Essentially, everything looks like a nail. The costs of this approach are high, and the results, Farrow argues, can be clearly seen in a steady stream of costly and damaging US foreign policy failures in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt, Iran, North Korea, and elsewhere. These failures have empowered local warlords, sparked rashes of extra-judicial killings, and turned US weapons on civilians.
Some of Farrow's chapters--particularly those related to his former boss Richard Holbrooke--take a little too long to reach their point. But this is a relatively small critique of an impressive and timely work. Definitely recommend.
Military options devalue relationship building and prioritize the quickest paths to "stability" and "order." Essentially, everything looks like a nail. The costs of this approach are high, and the results, Farrow argues, can be clearly seen in a steady stream of costly and damaging US foreign policy failures in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt, Iran, North Korea, and elsewhere. These failures have empowered local warlords, sparked rashes of extra-judicial killings, and turned US weapons on civilians.
Some of Farrow's chapters--particularly those related to his former boss Richard Holbrooke--take a little too long to reach their point. But this is a relatively small critique of an impressive and timely work. Definitely recommend.
jsisco's review against another edition
4.0
Ronan is an outstanding journalist, and likely was successful in his role with State in years past, but this text lacks overall cohesion as you move from chapter to chapter. Several chunks read as long-form articles meant for a series in the Times rather than a book with a formal thesis. In no way do I mean to say it's a boring read, or a jumbled mess, as Farrow is a remarkable writer. It's just not as strong as I had hoped.
jwillis81's review against another edition
4.0
While this was a little more anecdote-heavy than I was expecting, I thought it was a well-researched, well-written, and interesting look at the world of diplomacy and foreign policy over the years. Anyone interested in politics and/or international relations will get something useful out of this book.
themadmadmadeline's review against another edition
4.0
Really fascinating read with well-written vignettes and anecdotes on the impending changes of American diplomacy. I wish I wasn’t so ignorant when it comes to foreign policy (truth be told, I barely know anything about it) but this was a solid read. Highly recommend for anyone who is even remotely interested in the world around them.
booksunderthewoods's review against another edition
5.0
An excellent examination of American diplomacy throughout the past few decades and it’s current trajectory. It was both immensely educational and thoroughly enjoyable to read. If you have an interest in foreign policy or the future of America’s position in the world, I could not recommend this book highly enough.
citizen_noir's review against another edition
3.0
Ronan Farrow is without a doubt the best investigative journalist of the past decade, perhaps even of this century, so far. His relentless pursuit of Harvey Weinstein not only shed light on the transgressions of Hollywood's most powerful men, but unleashed the entire Me Too movement, something that continues to reverberate through society today. Not bad for someone who isn't even 31 yet!
Perhaps more surprising, journalism is the second career for Farrow. He already had a full career in the State Department, working closely with Richard Holbrooke during the Obama Administration. WAR ON PEACE: THE END OF DIPLOMACY AND THE DECLINE OF AMERICAN INFLUENCE is part autobiography of his time in the State Department, part history of the State Department, itself, and also part analysis of the repercussions due to the decline of American diplomacy. Farrow's stories are interesting and funny, and his larger message about the result of America's failures in diplomacy are harrowing. While I enjoyed the book, I felt like it was a bit of an afterthought for Farrow. I wonder if he started it before the Weinstein scandal broke and then tried to finish it, even though his career had veered into new areas.
Perhaps more surprising, journalism is the second career for Farrow. He already had a full career in the State Department, working closely with Richard Holbrooke during the Obama Administration. WAR ON PEACE: THE END OF DIPLOMACY AND THE DECLINE OF AMERICAN INFLUENCE is part autobiography of his time in the State Department, part history of the State Department, itself, and also part analysis of the repercussions due to the decline of American diplomacy. Farrow's stories are interesting and funny, and his larger message about the result of America's failures in diplomacy are harrowing. While I enjoyed the book, I felt like it was a bit of an afterthought for Farrow. I wonder if he started it before the Weinstein scandal broke and then tried to finish it, even though his career had veered into new areas.
katiebellmoore's review against another edition
3.0
Loved the subject matter. Felt like Farrow brought insight into foreign diplomacy from the bottom up rather than only former Secretary of State biographies. That being said, I found the writing style disjointed, confusing and hard to follow at times.