In 'Dereliction of Duty,' H. R. McMaster unveils the crucial missteps that led to the Vietnam War's escalation, exploring the failures of military leadership and the political elite. He dissects the disconnection between Washington's policymakers and the realities on the ground, revealing how decisions were made without clarity or accountability. With meticulous research and compelling narratives, McMaster challenges readers to consider the costs of neglecting ethical responsibility in government. This gripping examination not only sheds light on a tumultuous period in American history but also resonates with contemporary governance issues. Will understanding the past illuminate paths to better decision-making in the future?
By H. R. McMaster
Published: 1998
"The failure to grasp the consequences of inaction is often a greater dereliction than the boldest of missteps."
"The war in Vietnam was not lost in the field, nor was it lost on the front pages of the New York Times or the college campuses. It was lost in Washington, D.C." - H. R. McMaster (from the Conclusion) Dereliction Of Duty is a stunning new analysis of how and why the United States became involved in an all-out and disastrous war in Southeast Asia. Fully and convincingly researched, based on recently released transcripts and personal accounts of crucial meetings, confrontations and decisions, it is the only book that fully re-creates what happened and why. It also pinpoints the policies and decisions that got the United States into the morass and reveals who made these decisions and the motives behind them, disproving the published theories of other historians and excuses of the participants. Dereliction Of Duty covers the story in strong narrative fashion, focusing on a fascinating cast of characters: President Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, General Maxwell Taylor, McGeorge Bundy and other top aides who deliberately deceived the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the U.S. Congress and the American public. Sure to generate controversy, Dereliction Of Duty is an explosive and authoritative new look at the controversy concerning the United States involvement in Vietnam.
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“The failure to grasp the consequences of inaction is often a greater dereliction than the boldest of missteps.”
Dereliction of Duty
By H. R. McMaster
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H. R. McMaster is an accomplished author and retired U.S. Army officer, known for his insightful analysis of military strategy and national security. He served as the 26th National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump and has been a significant voice in defense and policy discussions. McMaster is the author of notable works such as 'Dereliction of Duty,' which critiques U.S. military leadership during the Vietnam War, and 'Battlegrounds: International Perspectives on the New Security Environment,' where he explores contemporary security challenges. His writing often combines rigorous historical research with practical military insights, offering readers a deeper understanding of geopolitical complexities.
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