In 'Our Man,' George Packer unravels the intricate history of a brilliant U.S. diplomat during a time of chaos in Iraq. Through the personal journey of this diplomat, we explore the complexities of American foreign policy and its often disastrous repercussions on lives and nations. The narrative is a poignant blend of memoir and political commentary, shedding light on the blurred lines between idealism and pragmatism in diplomacy. Packer's writing captures the essence of hope and despair in a war-torn landscape, inviting readers to reflect on the true cost of intervention. Will the lessons from this tumultuous period resonate in shaping future geopolitical strategies?
By George Packer
Published: 2019
"In a world where truth is often overshadowed by power, the courage to stand alone in pursuit of authenticity is the greatest act of rebellion."
Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Biography Winner of the Los Angeles Times Prize for Biography Winner of the 2019 Hitchens Prize "Portrays Holbrooke in all of his endearing and exasperating self-willed glory...Both a sweeping diplomatic history and a Shakespearean tragicomedy... If you could read one book to comprehend American's foreign policy and its quixotic forays into quicksands over the past 50 years, this would be it."--Walter Isaacson, The New York Times Book Review "By the end of the second page, maybe the third, you will be hooked...There never was a diplomat-activist quite like [Holbrooke], and there seldom has been a book quite like this -- sweeping and sentimental, beguiling and brutal, catty and critical, much like the man himself."--David M. Shribman, The Boston Globe Richard Holbrooke was brilliant, utterly self-absorbed, and possessed of almost inhuman energy and appetites. Admired and detested, he was the force behind the Dayton Accords that ended the Balkan wars, America's greatest diplomatic achievement in the post-Cold War era. His power lay in an utter belief in himself and his idea of a muscular, generous foreign policy. From his days as a young adviser in Vietnam to his last efforts to end the war in Afghanistan, Holbrooke embodied the postwar American impulse to take the lead on the global stage. But his sharp elbows and tireless self-promotion ensured that he never rose to the highest levels in government that he so desperately coveted. His story is thus the story of America during its era of supremacy: its strength, drive, and sense of possibility, as well as its penchant for overreach and heedless self-confidence. In Our Man, drawn from Holbrooke's diaries and papers, we are given a nonfiction narrative that is both intimate and epic in its revelatory portrait of this extraordinary and deeply flawed man and the elite spheres of society and government he inhabited.
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“In a world where truth is often overshadowed by power, the courage to stand alone in pursuit of authenticity is the greatest act of rebellion.”
Our Man
By George Packer
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
George Packer is an acclaimed American author and journalist known for his insightful commentary on American society and politics. He is the author of several notable works, including 'The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America,' which was a finalist for the National Book Award, and 'Our Man: Richard Holbrooke and the End of the American Century,' which won the 2020 Samuel Johnson Prize. Packer's writing is marked by its narrative depth, meticulous research, and a keen understanding of the human condition. His work often blends personal anecdotes with broader social and political analysis, making complex issues accessible to a wide audience.
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In 'Safe for Democracy,' Lloyd C. Gardner unveils the intricate web of political maneuvers between Britain and the United States during the tumultuous decade of 1913-1923. As revolutions swept across Europe and beyond, both nations struggled with their identities and ideals in the face of global upheaval. Gardner meticulously explores how these powers responded to rising radicalism, balancing the tension between democracy and security. The narrative reveals not just historical facts, but also the deeper implications of their choices for future generations. This compelling analysis prompts readers to question how the past shapes contemporary democratic struggles.
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In 'Collusion Across the Jordan,' Avi Shlaim unveils the intricate and often hidden relationships between Israel and Jordan during pivotal moments in Middle Eastern history. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, he reveals how political maneuvering and shared interests have shaped the narratives of both nations. The book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to reconsider the complexities of Arab-Israeli relations. Shlaim's insights highlight the impact of diplomacy and secret agreements that influenced the region's fate. Prepare for a journey that intertwines history, politics, and the human spirit in ways that will leave you questioning the very foundations of contemporary geopolitics.
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