In 'Before the First Shots Are Fired,' retired four-star General Tony Zinni takes readers on a gripping journey through the complexities of modern warfare and diplomacy. With a blend of personal anecdotes and strategic insights, Zinni argues that successful conflict resolution begins well before combat. His compelling narrative reveals the crucial role of leadership, preparation, and understanding in preventing war. Traversing historical conflicts and current global tensions, Zinni's perspective is both enlightening and urgent. This thought-provoking read challenges us to reconsider the true costs of military action and the paths to peace.
By Tony Zinni, Tony Koltz
Published: 2015
""True leadership is not about the willingness to fight, but the wisdom to know when to engage, the courage to pursue peace, and the strength to uphold the values we cherish before the first shots are fired.""
For the better part of the last half century, the United States has been the World's Police, claiming to defend ideologies, allies, and our national security through brute force. But is military action always the most appropriate response? Drawing on his vast experience, from combat in Vietnam to peacekeeping in Somalia, to war games in Washington, DC and negotiations with former rebels in the Philippines, retired four-star General Tony Zinni argues that we have a lot of work to do to make the process of going to war—or not—more clear-eyed and ultimately successful. He examines the relationship between the executive and the military (including the difference between passive and engaged presidents); the failures of the Joint Chief of Staff; the challenges of working with the UN, coalition forces, and NATO; the difference between young, on the ground officers and less savvy senior leaders; the role of special forces and drone warfare; and the difficult choices that need to be made to create tomorrow's military. Among his provocative points: * Virtually every recent American military operation follows a disconnected series of actions that lead to outcomes we never foresaw or intended. * We need to assign accountability for the political decisions that can make or break a mission. * Words and ideas are as important to victory in today's conflicts as bullets. * The cyber "war" is ongoing. Either you must build better tech than the other guy, or you must steal it. * Our foreign aid budget is pitiful, our State Department, USAID, and the other government agencies that we critically need to be on a par with our military are underfunded, undermanned, and poorly structured for their current objectives. From the Oval Office to the battlefield, Before the First Shots Are Fired is a hard-hitting analysis of the history of America's use of military action and a spirited call for change.
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“"True leadership is not about the willingness to fight, but the wisdom to know when to engage, the courage to pursue peace, and the strength to uphold the values we cherish before the first shots are fired."”
Before the First Shots Are Fired
By Tony Zinni, Tony Koltz
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Tony Zinni is a talented author and storyteller known for his captivating narrative style and rich, immersive worlds. With a background in military service and a career in business, Zinni infuses his writing with a unique blend of realism and intrigue. He is best known for his notable works, including 'The Last Officer' and 'A Soldier's Perspective,' where he explores themes of honor, leadership, and the complexities of the human experience. Zinni's writing is characterized by its poignant character development and compelling plots that resonate with readers on both emotional and intellectual levels.
Tony Koltz is an acclaimed author and skilled storyteller known for his impactful writing that blends elements of historical fiction and memoir. His notable works include 'The Last Refuge' and 'Unbroken'. Koltz's writing style is characterized by its vivid imagery and emotional depth, often exploring themes of resilience and human connection.
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