Diplomacy Books

Book SynopsisHer highly personal and reflective memoir is a must-read for anyone who cares about our role in a changing world' Barack ObamaTHE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY:The New York TimesTime The Economist The Washington Post Vanity Fair Times Literary SupplementWhat can one person do?' In this vibrant, galvanizing memoir, human rights advocate and Pulitzer-Prize winning writer Samantha Power offers an urgent response to this question.As she traces her path from Irish immigrant to war correspondent and activist to eventually becoming the youngest-ever US Ambassador to the United Nations,Power writes with a unique blend of suspenseful storytelling, vivid character portraits and disarming honesty.Heraccountilluminates the challenges of navigating the halls of power while trying to put one's ideals into practice (and raise two young children along the way), and it shows how even in the face of daunting challenges each of us can make a difference.NOW WITTrade Review A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AN IRISH TIMES BESTSELLER AN OBAMA FAVOURITE BOOK OF 2019 NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY:The New York Times • Time • The Economist • The Washington Post • Vanity Fair • Times Literary Supplement ‘Her highly personal and reflective memoir … is a must-read for anyone who cares about our role in a changing world.’Barack Obama ‘Samantha Power's book is honest, personal, revealing. It is about the development of a young woman's inner strength and self-knowledge. But it is also a political book, alert to both the power of political will and its limitations.’Colm Tóibín ‘A beautiful memoir about the times we’re living in and the questions we must ask ourselves … I honestly couldn’t put it down’Cheryl Strayed ‘This is a wonderful book … The interweaving of Power’s personal story, family story, diplomatic history and moral arguments is executed seamlessly and with unblinking honesty’New York Times ‘One of the best-written political memoirs of recent years’ Fareed Zakaria ‘It’s a profound, heart wrenching, uplifting, and emotional journey through her life and what she’s seen’Sophia Bush ‘An unusually engaging political memoir…Power is an excellent storyteller, with a deft touch with anecdotes and a nice sense of humour.’Times Literary Supplement ‘Refreshingly frank and self-deprecating … An energizing reminder that conscience has a place in the process of shaping foreign policy’TIME Magazine ‘Uniquely personal and absorbing … A riveting fly-on-the wall insight.’Irish Times ‘Engaging … Power’s memoir is an insider’s account of foreign-policy-making, and an intensely personal one.’Economist ‘Lively … And strikingly personal …[Power] writes vividly and lucidly here about her turn in the international spotlight.’Vogue

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A Fortune Best Book of the Year""The Last Embassy is rare in the field of academic history, in that it works just as well as a story as it does as a work of significant historical investigation. The story of the Dutch embassy to Beijing—the last to the Imperial Chinese court—has everything: competing protagonists, trials and tribulations, and imperial pomp and circumstance. Andrade’s work is a wonderfully written work about a neglected event in diplomatic history."---Nicholas Gordon, Fortune"One of the best academic studies in terms of both scholarship and writing-style I have read in ten years or more. . . . [A]n accessible, exciting, and illuminating book, written with consummate verve and enthusiasm."---John Butler, Asian Review of Books"An animated account."---Peter Neville-Hadley, South China Morning Post Magazine"Its lively writing, quick chapters, and the descriptions of the various parts of the empire that the embassy travels through, give readers a panoramic view of the empire at its height."---Reid Wyatt, World History Connected"An excellent entry point for readers seeking a nuanced under­standing of China’s global presence in the eighteenth century, and a useful cor­rective to those specialists who still tend to regard Qing relations with Britain as the totality of Qing relations with the ‘West.’"---Pamela Kyle Crossley, Journal of Early Modern History

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Book Synopsis“Fulbright was erudite and eloquent in all the books he wrote, but this one is his masterpiece. Within its pages lie his now historic remonstrations against a great nation’s overreach, his powerful argument for dissent, and his thoughtful propositions for a new way forward . . . lessons and cautions that resonate just as strongly today.” — From the foreword by Bill ClintonJ. William Fulbright (1905–1995), a Rhodes scholar and lawyer, began his long career in public service when he was elected to serve Arkansas's Third District in Congress in 1942. He quickly became a prominent member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where he introduced the Fulbright Resolution calling for participation in an organization that became the United Nations. Elected to the Senate in 1944, he promoted the passage of legislation establishing the Fulbright exchange program, and he served as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 1959 to 1974, longer than any senator in American history.Fulbright drew on his extensive experience in international relations to write The Arrogance of Power, a sweeping critique of American foreign policy, in particular the justification for the Vietnam War, Congress's failure to set limits on it, and the impulses that gave rise to it. The book—with its solid underpinning the idea that “the most valuable public servant, like the true patriot, is one who gives a higher loyalty to his country's ideals than to its current policy”—was published in 1966 and sold 400,000 copies. The New York Times called it “an invaluable antidote to the official rhetoric of government.”Enhanced by a new forward by President Bill Clinton, this eloquent treatise will resonate with today's readers pondering, as Francis O. Wilcox wrote in the original preface, the peril of nations whose leaders lack ""the wisdom and the good judgment to use their power wisely and well.

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Book SynopsisThe fall of France in 1940 panicked US leaders, leading to their fateful decision to recognize the pro-Nazi Vichy government. Michael Neiberg takes readers back to the fraught early years of World War II, when America’s misguided policy on Vichy alienated its British ally and ensured tensions with Charles de Gaulle and the postwar French Republic.Trade ReviewDeeply researched and forcefully written…shed[s] light on an embarrassing period in American diplomacy…Neiberg offers a mesmerizing account of how the U.S., as it anticipated another European war, stumbled through attempts to neutralize Vichy France…Neiberg deftly explains the confused politics and diplomacy that bedeviled the war against the Nazis. -- Ronald C. Rosbottom * Wall Street Journal *Meticulously researched but extremely readable…[An] excellent book. -- Julian Jackson * Washington Post *Michael Neiberg is one of the very best historians on wartime France, and his approach to the fall of France and its consequences is truly original and perceptive as well as superbly written. -- Antony Beevor, author of The Second World WarIt is difficult to find WWII material that is both interesting and fresh, but this book qualifies. -- Tyler Cowen * Marginal Revolution *The fall of France shattered the illusion that the United States could stay on the sidelines while Nazi Germany carved up Europe. Writing with clarity and verve, deep knowledge of French sources, and a keen eye for human foibles, Neiberg explains how the defeat of June 1940 transformed America’s relationship with France and compelled a rethinking of America’s world role. A smart and fresh analysis of Franco–American relations in the darkest hour of our long friendship. -- William I. Hitchcock, author of The Age of Eisenhower: America and the World in the 1950sNeiberg has rescued an important episode in the history of the Second World War from relative obscurity and done so in great style. His book, with its terrific cast of characters and fast-paced story, reads like a novel and is at the same time an outstanding piece of historical research and analysis. -- Margaret MacMillan, author of War: How Conflict Shaped UsAn utterly gripping account, the best to date, of relations within the turbulent triumvirate of France, Britain, and America in the Second World War. Neiberg vividly brings to life the extraordinary military, domestic, personal, and political pressures on giants such as Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Charles de Gaulle, while also showing the immediate practical effect their interactions had on ordinary people in the struggle against the Nazis. -- Andrew Roberts, author of Churchill: Walking with DestinyAn excellent book, the product of deep research, clear thought, and gripping writing. Neiberg restores France and the French Empire to its rightful place in the history of the strategy of the Atlantic powers in the Second World War. In so doing, he allows us to understand anew how shocking the French defeat in 1940 was for American policymakers, and the profound consequences that reverberated from that shock for the subsequent course of the war. -- Daniel Todman, author of Britain’s War: A New World, 1942–1947Expertly researched and a pleasure to read, When France Fell fills an important gap in the history of World War II by analyzing American relations with Vichy and Free French forces, how the geopolitical position of France’s colonial holdings steered US policy, and how those decisions deeply strained Anglo–American relations. The story Neiberg tells is one of misguided calculations and ultimately tremendous luck that Americans’ ‘Vichy gamble’ did not cause more political and military turmoil. -- Brooke L. Blower, author of Becoming Americans in Paris: Transatlantic Politics and Culture between the World WarsNeiberg’s fascinating and compelling study places France back at the heart of the story of the Second World War. He crafts a vivid narrative of the extraordinary and radical transformations that accompanied the catastrophe in France. The consequences of defeat were profound for a divided Gallic nation, but they were also defining for Britain and America; the defeat of Europe’s premier land power put a nail in the coffin of one superpower and sparked the rise of another. Highly recommended! -- Jonathan Fennell, author of Fighting the People’s War: The British and Commonwealth Armies and the Second World WarAn important and fascinating book that examines U.S. policy towards Vichy—a policy which not only put the United States at odds with its wartime ally, Great Britain, but also was destined to fail…While numerous books have been written on the fall of France, U.S. policy toward Vichy has been curiously overlooked in recent years. Neiberg remedies this…Highly readable [and] filled with interesting, larger-than-life characters. -- Sean Durns * National Interest *This is an extremely well researched and readable book. And it is a reminder that in wartime, fighting the enemy can often be less complicated than dealing with your allies. -- Calum Henderson * Military History Matters *A superbly crafted synthesis of military, diplomatic, and political history…Neiberg concludes that America’s flirtation with Vichy did not go disastrously wrong, but cautions that this had little to do with wise decision-making in Washington…[An] excellent book. -- Carl Cavanagh Hodge * Michigan War Studies Review *Punctures the myths of the conventional American story of the Second World War…Important, well argued, deeply researched, and a pleasure to read, written by one of the most productive and accomplished American historians of both world wars. -- Richard Fogarty * H-Net Reviews *Neiberg’s important new book, When France Fell, chronicles the often-bungled attempts of the United States to redefine its strategy and navigate its relationship with Vichy France. It is one of the first, if not the first, work in English to address the strategic relationship between the United States and France during the Second World War…A timely reminder of the importance of statecraft in an age where international incivility runs rampant. -- Cameron Zinsou * H-Diplo *

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Book SynopsisTaiwan: a place with its own flag, currency, government and military, but which most of the world does not recognise as a sovereign country. An island that China regards as a rebellious province', but which has managed to survive defiantly for decades. Now with its neighbour China a major power on the world stage and ally United States looking increasingly inward, Taiwan's position has never been more precarious.Kerry Brown and Kalley Wu Tzu-hui reveal how the island's shifting fortunes have been shaped by centuries of conquest and by a cast of dynamic characters, by Cold War intrigue and the rise of its neighbour as a global power, explaining how this tiny island, caught between the agendas of two superpowers, is attempting to find its place in a rapidly changing world order.Trade ReviewMaps out why the world should care about the self-ruled island … t the heart of The Trouble with Taiwan is a detailed picture of the island as it is today, and how the political, economic and social paths have affected the lives of Taiwanese citizens. * South China Morning Post *The Trouble with Taiwan provides a lively briefing for what could be the next crisis to face Xi Jinping … The authors point out that, for all the rhetoric from Beijing, the island has only been ruled directly from Beijing for brief periods in its history. * Financial Times *Taiwan is one of the most important but least understood places in Asia today. This book provides an invaluable introduction to this potential flashpoint for future conflict between the US and China, while centring Taiwanese people in their own story as they attempt to take control of their own futures in the face of ever greater pressure from Beijing. As China’s military and diplomatic power grows, Taiwan is on the frontline in standing up to Beijing and asserting its rights for autonomy and democracy. * James Griffiths, author of The Great Firewall of China: How To Build and Control an Alternative Version of the Internet */i>‘By marshalling history, biography, internal politics, and international affairs, Brown and Wu Tzu-hui address the very ‘trouble’ they describe: they help situate a Taiwan whose “place” in the world is otherwise plagued by uncertainty. * Benjamin Zawacki, author of Thailand: Shifting Ground Between the US and a Rising China *Fresh and authoritative, written with brio and precision. * Thomas Plate, author of Yo-Yo Diplomacy *‘An important and timely guide to one of the most dangerous potential flashpoints for future conflict between the West and China.’ * James Griffiths, author of The Great Firewall of China *‘Brown and Wu Tzu-hui help situate a Taiwan whose “place” in the world is otherwise plagued by uncertainty.’ * Benjamin Zawacki, author of Thailand *Table of ContentsTimeline of Events Introduction – The Great Asian Game 1. Contested Histories: From the Ming to Today 2. The Great Transformation: Democratization and the Impact on Taiwan’s Identity 3. At the Front Line of `Sharp Power’: Taiwan’s Relation with the People’ Republic of China. 4. Worlds Apart: Taiwan’s International Space 5. Parallel Lives: Taiwan’s Economic Identity 6. Thinking Through the Issue of Taiwan Conclusion: The Trouble with Taiwan

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsContents List of Illustrations Acknowledgments List of Abbreviations Introduction 1 • Internationalizing Struggle, 1977–1979 2 • Triumph and Consolidation, 1979–1980 3 • The Revolution under Attack, 1981–1982 4 • Creative Defense, 1983–1984 5 • Fundraising for the Revolution, 1985–1986 6 • Peace and Elections, 1987–1990 Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisWhy and how America’s defense strategy must change in light of China’s power and ambition—A Wall Street Journal best book of 2021Trade Review“Colby, the lead architect of the 2018 National Defense Strategy, here lays out—realistically, concretely and in plain-spoken American English—how Washington must act decisively to check Beijing’s growing power and ambition.”—Wall Street Journal, “Ten Best Books of 2021”“Rigorously argued and compelling. . . . This book will define the basis for future debate about U.S. defense strategy in Asia. . . . Mr. Colby earns a place as an intellectual heir to the Cold War strategists who thought seriously about how to thwart Soviet designs. . . . [He] is courageous in forcing readers to think concretely about the unthinkable. . . . The task of deterring Chinese aggression is urgent, and Mr. Colby’s book presents a needed path forward.”—Dan Blumenthal, Wall Street Journal “What to do about China’s rising might and territorial ambition? Brilliant strategist Elbridge Colby takes on this vexing and increasingly urgent challenge with a clear-eyed, forceful but carefully thought-out approach. Cogently, lucidly, he uses the lessons of history to show that the best way to avoid war is to prepare for war.”—Evan Thomas, coauthor of The Wise Men: Six Friends and the World They Made “Colby’s well-crafted and insightful Strategy of Denial provides a superb and, one suspects, essential departure point for an urgent and much-needed debate over U.S. defense strategy.“—Andrew F. Krepinevich, Jr., Foreign Affairs “An exceptional book. Elbridge Colby has written a book on defense strategy that reaches a level of theoretical mastery akin to Hans Morgenthau’s Politics Among Nations. There is no better guidebook to how we should think about war and peace in this new age of great power competition.”—Robert D. Kaplan, author of Asia’s Cauldron “This is a realist’s book, laser-focused on China’s bid for mastery in Asia as the 21st century’s most important threat.”—Ross Douthat, New York Times “Anyone interested in US strategy should read this tour de force from the primary author of the celebrated 2018 U.S. National Defense Strategy. This well-written, masterfully constructed, logically compelling book conveys the essence of strategy from one of the best current practitioners of the trade. Highly recommended!”—Robert O. Work, former Deputy Secretary of Defense “Elbridge Colby has written an outstanding book. For anyone interested in understanding what a possible war between China and the United States might look like, The Strategy of Denial is the place to start. It is analytically rigorous, well-informed, and filled with interesting and smart insights.”—John Mearsheimer, author of The Great Delusion: Liberal Dreams and International Realities“Succeeds brilliantly in the task of building a broad strategic framework—one that is actually new—for how to think about America’s defense in the face of a rising China. . . . The Chinese military are going to translate and classify this book—if they haven’t already.”—Michael Pillsbury, senior fellow and director for Chinese Strategy, Hudson Institute “This is an incredibly important book. . . . The definitive work on U.S. defense strategy that should guide our strategic competition with China for the years to come.”—Christian Brose, author of The Kill Chain: Defending America in the Future of High-Tech Warfare “There are many ways to lose wars or win them, but only one way to avoid them: to envision closely enough the dangers to be averted by deterrence or defense. This book brings together pure intellect, wide knowledge, and practical experience to show how U.S. defense strategy must change—and fast.”—Edward Luttwak, author of The Rise of China vs. the Logic of Strategy “As experts continue to warn of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan within the decade, denying such an invasion must be our top defense-planning priority. Mr. Colby spells out what we need to do in order to deter—and if necessary, win—a war over Taiwan. . . . An essential read.”—Mike Gallagher, U.S. House of Representatives, Wisconsin, “Who Read What: Political Figures Share Their Favorite Books of 2021” “[A] brilliant . . . book on how to deal with the geopolitical and military threat from China. Will be much discussed and constantly referred to as we grapple with this challenge.”—Rich Lowry, editor of National Review (via Twitter) “The Strategy of Denial is an excellent book and a very important one. Fundamentally, it’s not an argument about ‘global stability’ . . . but rather that we need to think about defense strategy in terms of regions in order to achieve political objectives.”—Nadia Schadlow, senior fellow, Hudson Institute “Colby gives us an original and provocative approach to containing adversaries, especially China. . . . [D]istinguished by its moving seamlessly from international relations theory to detailed questions of diplomacy and force deployment.”—Robert Jervis, author of How Statesmen Think“The book is just a marvel of analytic clarity and of ruthless logic . . . a true pleasure to read . . . [and] a marvel of clear argumentation and deductive reasoning. . . . [It] cuts through a lot of politics and uncertainty in a really helpful way.”—Jennifer Lind, Dartmouth College “I suppose there are others who could have written such a book, but they didn’t, at least not with such mastery of analysis. I think I’ve read most [of the] worthwhile books on U.S. defense strategy that have appeared in the last two decades, but I’ve rarely come across one that has the intellectual rigor, the systematicity of analysis, and the sheer ruthlessness of logical reasoning—not to mention the erudition—found in The Strategy of Denial.”—Ashley J. Tellis, senior fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace “An engaging, vigorously argued and refreshingly readable case for a U.S. strategy focused on deterring China to reduce the danger of war.”—Doyle McManus, Washington columnist, Los Angeles Times “Thoughtful and rigorous. . . . Makes an extended case for curtailing other commitments to focus on China. . . . The book’s fundamental strength . . . is Colby’s willingness to test all sides of complicated debates. . . . Required reading for lawmakers, national security hands, and 2024 presidential hopefuls.”—Adam O’Neal, Washington Examiner “Exceptionally well-thought out. . . . A well-argued . . . case for why the United States should care about Beijing’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. . . . Its arguments are both self-evident and well explained [and] it is thoroughly enjoyable to read.”—Joshua Huminski, Diplomatic Courier “This is a book well worth reading, packed with fresh paradigm-cracking ideas, breaking all the china in thinking how to handle China.”—James Jay Carafano, National Interest

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Book SynopsisThe newly born League of Nations confronted the post-WWI worldfrom growing stateless populations to the resurgence of right-wing movementsby aiming to create a transnational, cosmopolitan dialogue on justice. As part of these efforts, a veritable army of League personnel set out to shape global public opinion, in favor of the postwar liberal international order. Combining the tools of global intellectual history and cultural history, A Violent Peace reopens the archives of the League to reveal surprising links between the political use of modern information systems and the rise of mass violence in the interwar world. Historian Carolyn N. Biltoft shows how conflicts over truth and power that played out at the League of Nations offer broad insights into the nature of totalitarian regimes and their use of media flows to demonize a whole range of others. An exploration of instability in information systems, the allure of fascism, and the contradictions at the heart of a global modernity, Trade Review"Historians usually remember the League of Nations—if at all—for its failure to prevent World War II. Historian Biltoft has a different, far more interesting story to tell. She examines the League as a creator of the news—even 'truth'—and a restless promotor of liberalism in the increasing illiberal interwar world. In this short but illuminating work, Biltoft argues that the League attempted to 'rebrand the world' to encourage discussion rather than war, provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, and ultimately create a new, healthier—and less violent—international order. . . . For an age still plagued by 'fake news' from Moscow to Florida, this book is required reading. . . . Highly recommended." * Choice *"This book is short, but its length belies the complexity and range of its ambition. A Violent Peace tackles the technological and cultural ruptures of the interwar era in truly original fashion, making a valuable addition to the growing literature assessing the League in its own right as an experiment in international order." * International Affairs *"Carolyn Biltoft's A Violent Peace provides a useful, timely, and poetic overview of interwar preoccupations with truth and reality, and of their consequences for people's lives then and now. . . . This book offers a compelling picture of the period and the issues under examination and will inspire others to pursue the vital avenues of historical inquiry it undertook. . . . Truly, any reader interested in such debates would find this book useful and likely be impressed by its erudition, clarity, and flair." * Canadian Journal of History *“With bold originality and a keen eye for the telling detail, Biltoft recasts the history of the League of Nations, dedicated to elevating the word over the sword, as a quest for symbolic capital in the chaotic interwar world. Focusing on questions of language, money, and the control of information flows, she shows how the challenges faced by the League continue to bedevil us today.” * Martin Jay, University of California, Berkeley *“Fascinating and utterly original, A Violent Peace is an impressive study of superior scholarship. Biltoft offers a fresh perspective on this topic by shifting the lens from an investigation into the geopolitical coordinates of the League of Nations to the more ephemeral but equally important role of media and communication strategies that underlay the project. Accessible to both specialists and generalists, this exciting book will find a wide cross-section of readers in history, critical theory, government, and beyond.” * Ethan Kleinberg, Wesleyan University *Table of ContentsPreface: Truth, Lies, and Violence, Then and Now 1. As Seen at the League of Nations: Global Media, Competing Truths, and the Allure of Fascism 2. Rebranding the World (Picture) 3. On True and False Tongues 4. Fabricating Currencies: Paper, Gold, and Other Facsimiles 5. Fiat Lux? False News and Hidden Flesh 6. The Word and the Sword Revisited Acknowledgments Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisDescribed as Mrs Thatcher's favourite diplomat, Robin Renwick was at the centre of events in the negotiations to end the Rhodesian War. As Ambassador in South Africa, he played a bridging role between the government and the ANC, having become a trusted personal friend of Nelson Mandela and of F. W. de Klerk. In the Foreign Office, he played an integral part in forging the agreement that returned two thirds of our contribution to the European budget back to Britain. In Washington, where he became a confidant of George Bush Sr, then of Bill Clinton, he was deemed an exceptionally influential British Ambassador whose efforts were devoted to getting the US and its allies to take the actions needed to end the Bosnian War. Not Quite A Diplomat looks back over an illustrious career in the foreign service and paints vivid and revealing first-hand portraits of some of the giants of international politics over the past forty years, from Mandela and Mugabe to George Bush Sr, the Clintons and Margaret Thatcher. In this entertaining memoir, Renwick examines why diplomacy too often consists of ineffective posturing, and explores the likely effects of Brexit, Trump and, potentially, Jeremy Corbyn on Britain's standing in the world.Trade ReviewSuch an insightful read. Henry Kissinger; The book was a joy to read, not because of any particular opinions, but because of the clear-sighted realism of his analysis. The Sunday Times; A riveting and entertaining memoir. The Daily Telegraph; Full of amusing anecdotes! Iain Dale, LBC

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A Project Syndicate Best Reads in 2023""[Brands] gathers a college of 45 such experts. All are wise after the facts of their field, and each attempts the historian’s equivalent of the owl’s neck rotation—a sweep that, taking in past and present, looks to the future . . . the scholarship on strategy has become internationalized, and Mr. Brands broadens his sights beyond the familiar theorists and practitioners—and beyond the battlefield."---Dominic Green, Wall Street Journal

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Book SynopsisIn one readable volume, diplomat and negotiator Stuart E. Eizenstat covers every major contemporary international agreement, from the treaty to end the Vietnam War to the Kyoto Protocols and the Iranian Nuclear Accord. Written from the perspective that only a participant in top level negotiations can bring, Eizenstat recounts the events that led up to the negotiation, the drama that took place around the table, and draws lessons from successful and unsuccessful strategies and tactics. Based on interviews with over 60 key figures in American diplomacy, including former presidents and secretaries of state, and major political figures abroad, Eizenstat provides an intimate view of diplomacy as today's history. The Art of Diplomacy will be an indispensable volume to understand American foreign policy and provide invaluable insights on the art of negotiation for anyone involved in government or business negotiations.

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Book SynopsisThe brilliant untold story of three daughters of diplomacy: Anna Roosevelt, Sarah Churchill, and Kathleen Harriman, glamorous, fascinating young women who accompanied their famous fathers to the Yalta Conference with Stalin in the waning days of World War II.With victory close at hand, the Yalta conference was held across a tense week in February 1945 as Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin attempted to agree on an end to the war, and to broker post-war peace.In Daughters of Yalta, Catherine Katz uncovers the dramatic story of the three young women who travelled with their fathers to the Yalta conference, each bound by fierce ambition and intertwined romances that powerfully coloured these crucial days. Kathleen Harriman, twenty-seven, was a champion skier, war correspondent, and daughter to US Ambassador to Russia Averell Harriman. She acted as his translator and arranged much of the conference's fine detail. Sarah Churchill, an actress-turned-RAF officer, was devotTrade Review‘A vivid portrait of one of history’s great international summits through the eyes of three young women, each a daughter of a key participant. We get the inside story, and learn the compelling details that bring history to life’Erik Larson ‘A stirring account of one momentous week that would unleash fifty years of tyranny for half of Europe and plunge the world into the Cold War … A marvellous and extraordinary work that reveals the human experience of the conference, with all its tragedy, love, betrayal, and even humour’Julian Fellowes ‘A revelation. It’s a story of World War II, the origins of the Cold War, a key moment in diplomatic history, but above all a coming-of-age tale about three fascinating women in an extraordinary time.’Jeffrey Toobin ‘Both intimate and sweeping … vividly captures a little known story against the backdrop of a very big one. Meticulously researched and emotionally gripping.’Amy Pascal ‘Yet more proof that behind every great man is an army of exceptional women. We need their stories told; so three cheers for Catherine Katz’Amanda Foreman ‘Making superb use of unpublished diaries and letters, Katz demonstrates how illness, clandestine romance and fraying political relationships ran alongside the tortured negotiations that would shape the post-conflict world … The women’s keyhole perspective of these momentous negotiations humanises the Yalta summit as never before, shedding new insight on the minute-by-minute tensions of international diplomacy at a time when the future of millions depended on the outcome’Spectator ‘This entertaining history is packed with vivid personalities, jockeying aides and insider observations about a pivotal moment in history’New York Times Book Review ‘The research is impressive … It is a riveting read and the detail is fascinating … Oh, to have been a fly on the wall’Anne de Courcy, Daily Telegraph

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Book Synopsis''A compelling warning ... It is hard to disagree with this advice from such a well-informed friend of the west'' Martin Wolf, Financial TimesThe West''s two-century epoch as global powerhouse is at an end. A new world order, with China and India as the strongest economies, dawns. How will the West react to its new status of superpower in decline? In Kishore Mahbubani''s timely polemic, he argues passionately that the West can no longer presume to impose its ideology on the world, and crucially, that it must stop seeking to intervene, politically and militarily, in the affairs of other nations. He examines the West''s greatest follies of recent times: the humiliation of Russia at the end of the Cold War, which led to the rise of Putin, and the invasion of Iraq after 9/11, which destabilised the Middle East. Yet, he argues, essential to future world peace are the Western constructs of democracy and reason, which it must continue to promote, Trade ReviewA compelling warning ... It is hard to disagree with this advice from such a well-informed friend of the west -- Martin Wolf * Financial Times *Sometimes you need a shock to wake you up. Has the West Lost it? (2018) is such a shock. The sheer concentrated force of this 91-page essay [...] is as unrelenting as it is astonishing . . . It's time we listened to Mahbubani. -- Richard Horton * The Lancet *We should all think of it as the cold shower that is urgently needed to revive the West -- Fareed Zakaria, author of 'The Post-American World'It's a powerful, disputatious book . . . It's not comfortable reading, and it wasn't meant to be -- Paul Kennedy, Director of International Security Studies and Professor of History at Yale UniversityKishore Mahbubani brings unrivaled experience and insight into strategizing where the West goes from here. A book that truly speaks to our tumultuous times -- Ian Bremmer, President of Eurasia GroupIn the longer view, America's - and before that Europe's - dominance may come to be seen as a short aberration and the rise of China and other Asian nations as simply a reversion to the natural order of things. That at least is the key point of a provocatively titled book, Has the West Lost It?, by Kishore Mahbubani, a Singaporean academic and former diplomat. As many in America and Europe contemplate the dramatic changes to their world in the past few years, it's been getting a lot of attention. -- Gerard Baker * The Times *

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Book SynopsisAn unusually clear and comprehensive examination of transatlantic relations during the Nixon/Kissinger eraTrade Review“Early post-war America saw European unity as vital. Donald Trump saw it as a threat. So had Nixon and Kissinger. Klaus Larres analyzes the turning point of the 1970s with great authority, based on original documents and interviews, including with Kissinger himself. Uncertain Allies is essential reading for understanding the modern world.”—Vernon Bogdanor, author of Britain and Europe in a Troubled World“Klaus Larres deploys his fine skills as a writer and his foreign policy expertise to make an interesting case on the transatlantic relationship. Uncertain Allies is an engaging and thought-provoking read.”—Michael Clauss, German ambassador to the European Union“Klaus Larres’ engaging study tellingly documents how personal ambition and the search for uncontested control impacted Henry Kissinger’s relations with European allies during the economic and political crises of the 1970s.”—Charles S. Maier, Harvard University“The early 1970s represented a pivotal moment in U.S. ties with Europe. Klaus Larres tells this story in a fascinating and highly readable manner. Essential reading.”—Daniel S. Hamilton, Johns Hopkins University/Woodrow Wilson Center“Klaus Larres dissects the complexities and paradoxes in alliance politics that are generally concealed by Rose Garden speeches and the rhetoric of NATO summits. Policy makers and scholars will find much to ponder in this painstakingly researched account of a US giant, idealism put aside, behaving like a normal great power with interests and anxieties all its own.”—Bob Carr, former Australian Foreign Minister

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Book SynopsisZbigniew Brzezinski's impact on America's role in the world extends far beyond his years in the Carter White House. Justin Vaisse offers the first biography of the Polish immigrant and grand strategist whose geopolitical vision, scholarly writings, and policy advice to many presidents brought lasting changes to America's conduct of foreign policy.Trade ReviewReading Justin Vaïsse’s impressive new book, Zbigniew Brzezinski: America’s Grand Strategist, it is difficult to miss the echoes of our own times in the early 1970s…If the publication of Brzezinski could hardly be timelier, the author could not be more apt…The book’s achievement is in part corrective. Brzezinski rehabilitates a thinker and actor whom other writers have too often underestimated…Vaïsse’s broad panorama achieves important perspective on the Carter years…Readers will encounter in Brzezinski an eloquent introduction to a major strategic thinker and a thoughtful meditation upon the useful work that ideas and intellectuals can perform in the policy arena. -- Daniel J. Sargent * Washington Post *Vaïsse gives Brzezinski high marks. Apart from Kissinger, no adviser so dominated a president’s agenda. His intellect was as sharp as his tongue. -- Edward Luce * Financial Times *Will probably stand for some time as the definitive portrayal of a sharp mind and sometimes sharp tongue that attracted critics and opponents, as well as admirers and such famous proteges and colleagues as Madeleine Albright and Robert Gates… What separates the Vaïsse book from the pack is a detailed and perceptive study of the rise of an academic complex in the making of U.S. foreign policy. -- Michael D. Mosettig * PBS NewsHour *Vaïsse’s biography of U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s national security adviser, Zbigniew Brzezinski, reminds readers just what an extraordinary phenomenon this Polish outsider was… Vaïsse’s evenhanded appraisal of Brzezinski’s contributions to U.S. foreign policy will…introduce a new generation of readers to a great American strategist. -- Walter Russell Mead * Foreign Affairs *In his compelling biography of Brzezinski, Justin Vaïsse places [him] squarely in the fourth generation of decision-makers who helped turn the United States into a world power. -- Christopher Coker * Literary Review *Brzezinski must have been pleased by what he knew of the work (first published in French shortly before his death). The readers, too, will be pleased. This is a solid account of Brzezinski’s absorbing journey. -- Simon Serfaty * National Interest *This man with the unpronounceable name was one of the most influential in the world, but also one of the hardest to categorize… A foremost authority on U.S. foreign relations, Justin Vaïsse enthusiastically traces the extraordinary career of this son of a Polish consul. A captivating account of a decisive figure who navigated through deep political crosscurrents in order to extend American influence across the globe. * L’Express *Justin Vaïsse’s life of Zbigniew Brzezinski is remarkable in every way. More than a simple biography, this serious study is an original and meticulous account of the American diplomatic machine. * LeLitteraire.com *A specialist in American foreign relations, Vaïsse offers a voluminous biography of a man he considers one of the most consequential figures of the past century. * Le Point *This first-rate intellectual biography of Zbigniew Brzezinski fills a longstanding gap in existing work on one of America’s most visible yet undervalued scholar-policymakers of the past fifty years. Nuanced and on the whole convincing, this book provides an excellent overview of the impact Brzezinski had after his relatively brief time in high office. -- Jussi Hanhimäki, author of The Flawed Architect: Henry Kissinger and American Foreign PolicyVaïsse profiles one of the few men who transformed American foreign policy in the second half of the twentieth century. He offers a compelling account of how immigration, education, and technology changed American power and ideals. He also reminds us how important the intellectual debates about power and ideals were during the Cold War, and how important they remain today. -- Jeremi Suri, author of The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America’s Highest Office

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Book SynopsisIndia and UK have historical conflicts. In 2017, India entered the ICJ election due to the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. It was a significant battle against the UK and Security Council members. Syed Akbaruddin's account highlights India's global emergence and UN's operations.

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Book SynopsisFirst published in 1917, Satow''s Diplomatic Practice has long been hailed as a classic and authoritative text. An indispensable guide for anyone working in or studying the field of diplomacy, this eighth edition builds on the extensive revisions in the sixth and seventh editions. The volume provides an enlarged and updated section on the history of diplomacy, the exponential growth in multilateral diplomatic efforts, and transformations in the corpus of international diplomatic law since the end of the Cold War. This eighth edition further offers a new chapter on recent developments and challenges of modern diplomacy, particularly in light of the increasing importance of China, and the shock to the international system administered by Russia''s invasion of Ukraine.The book also traces the substantial expansion in numbers both of sovereign states and international and regional organizations, and features detailed chapters on diplomatic privileges and immunities, diplomatic missions, as well as consular matters, treatymaking and conferences. The volume also examines alternative forms of diplomacy, from the work of NGOs to the use of secret envoys, and interrogates the interaction between intelligence agencies and commercial security firms. It also discusses the impact of international terrorism and other violent non-state actors on the life and work of a diplomat. Finally, in recognition of the speed of changes in the field over the last twenty years, it includes updated chapters on human rights and public/digital diplomacy by experts in their respective fields.

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Book SynopsisA study of the Confederacy's inept attempts to win foreign support for its causeTrade ReviewMerli's ability to engage his reader in the tale and history of the CSS Alabama is amazing; it truly is a page-turner and I would wager would be such a page-turner for those not already predisposed to reading about such history. 1/11/2010 * blogbook-reviews.blogspot.com *Table of ContentsContentsList of IllustrationsFrank J. Merli (1929–2000)1. The International Dimension of the American Civil War2. Toward the CSS Alabama3. The Law of the Alabama4. E. D. Adams, Roundell Palmer, and the Escape of the Alabama5. Captain Butcher's Memoir of the Alabama's Escape Edited with Renata Eley Long 6. Raphael Semmes and the Challenge at Cherbourg7. The Confederacy's Chinese Fleet, 1861–1867Appendix: Publications of Frank J. MerliNotesWorks CitedIndex

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Book SynopsisIn the movie "The Godfather", Don Corleone, head of New York's powerful organized-crime family, is gunned down in daylight, leaving his sons Sonny and Michael, along with his adopted son, consigliere Tom Hagen, to chart a new course for the family. This book shows how the aging don is emblematic of cold-war American power on the decline.Trade Review"In The Godfather, Mafia don Vito Corleone is shot down on the street by rivals, taken by surprise in a world where the rules have changed and a new course must be charted. Corleone's circumstances mirror the state of our nation and hold lessons for its future, according to the two international-relations experts who wrote The Godfather Doctrine, out this week. Co-authors John C. Hulsman and A. Wess Mitchell are a rare pair: entertaining and instructive."--Boston Globe "Still, as much as I like The Godfather, I never thought of it as the guide to American foreign policy options in the 21st century. Fortunately, two other guys did. The Godfather has always been a joy to watch; however, given the present changes in the world's power structure, the movie becomes a startlingly useful metaphor for the strategic problems of our times... [A] cute little book."--Kevin Horrigan, St. Louis Post-Dispatch "If, as Emerson posited, events are 'in the saddle' and riding humankind, how do Obama and the Americans who turn their lonely eyes to him sort it all out in the world of globalization? Together. Emphatically. Through the untinted prism of realism. That's what the authors argue. The 'Pax Corleone' allegory, so imperfect and ironic, is their clever yet thought-provoking way of summoning us to become, pragmatically, our best selves. Dream City, Reality City--can they coexist, even ascend, in peace? For 10 recessionary bucks, The Godfather Doctrine forces us to think about how."--Gene Krzyzynski, Buffalo News "It's a fun take on the basic issues of foreign policy."--Michael Maiello, Forbes.com "George Kennan. Henry Kissinger. Michael Corleone? Yes, at this critical historical juncture, the fictional antihero is making a foreign-policy offer that two specialists in the field believe we can't refuse. The Godfather's 'unlikely wisdom' for our challenging times--as a new president attempts to preserve America's global standing in the face of war, economic crisis, and rising great powers--is elucidated in this funny, smart book, an expanded version of a widely read article John C. Hulsman and A. Wess Mitchell published last year. The Godfather Doctrine creatively transposes the iconic 1972 film that director Francis Ford Coppola intended as an allegory of American capitalism onto contemporary geopolitics... [An] inspired metaphor."--Robert Litwak, Wilson Quarterly "It's more a sliver than an actual book (and literally the size of a passport), but The Godfather Doctrine by John C. Hulsman and A. Wess Mitchell is one of the best foreign-policy 'books' I've read in a long time... They make a good argument, and The Godfather Doctrine is too much fun to be read only by policy wonks."--Martin Zimmerman, San Diego Union Tribune "Enjoyable and intelligent. It's a great, short read."--Andy Welch, Western Daily Press "It would be easy to dismiss this book as a gimmick or a novelty were it not for two considerations: the prestige of its two authors and its unambiguous assertion of American decline."--Dennis Phillips, Australian Review of Public Affairs "While the message of this work ... is scarcely unique, its appearance and approach certainly are unusual. Made to resemble a US passport, this slim volume argues for a return to realism in US foreign policy by means of allegory based on the 1972 Francis Ford Coppola film The Godfather."--ChoiceTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 The Godfather Doctrine 21 Epilogue: Critics and Crisis 61

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Book SynopsisThis book explores the revival under Edward VII of the ceremonial state visit by British monarchs, showing the impact and importance of active royal diplomacy during his reign. Using the Royal Archives, memoirs and newspapers, it reveals the contribution made by the use of ceremony and public display to popular appreciation of the monarchy.Trade Review“This absorbing book reveals much of a lesser-appreciated facet of the public life of King Edward VII … . This book confirms the relevance of this area of scholarship to those interested in British diplomacy and royal visits, and invites further comparative research into overseas journeys undertaken by subsequent monarchs.” (Laura Cook, Royal Studies Journal, Vol. 3 (2), 2016) Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. The Modern Revival of Royal Diplomacy 2. The First Royal Visits 3. A Difficult Host: Edward VII's Visit to Italy 4. Edward's Gift to Diplomacy? 1903 Visit to Paris 5. A Virtual Royal Occasion: Edward VII's 1907 Visit to Spain 6. The Diplomatic Margins: State Visits to Scandinavia 7. Dealing with the Great Bear: Edward VII's Visit to Russia 8. 'The Most Powerful and Influential Diplomat of his Day': Edward VII's Final State Visits Epilogue

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Book SynopsisCommissioned by the Japan Society as the companion volume to British Envoys in Japan, 1959-1972 (2004), this collection of essays on a century of official Japanese representation in the United Kingdom completes the history of bilateral diplomatic relations up to the mid-1960s, concluding with Ambassador Ohno Katsumi’s highly successful six-year assignment in 1964. In all, twelve authors, half of whom are Japanese , contribute to the work. In addition to the nineteen biographies, there are essays on the history of the Japanese Embassy buildings in London, an overview of Japanese envoys in Britain between 1862 and 1872 by Sir Hugh Cortazzi, as well as aspects of embassy life which illuminate some of the factors impacting on the life-style of residents in London in former times, including an entertaining personal memoir by Ayako Ishizaka of ‘A Diplomat’s Daughter in the 1930s’. By way of appendix, the volume concludes with a short history of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Gaimusho) up to the present day.Table of ContentsList of Contributors; Preface; Acknowledgements; Abbreviations/Order of Names; 1 The Japanese Embassy in London and its Buildings; 2. Japanese Envoys in Britain, 1862-72; 3. TERASHIMA MUNENORI (1832-93). Master of Early Meiji Diplomacy; 4. UENO KAGENORI (1845-1888). A Most Influental Diplomat; 5. MORI ARINORI (1847-89). From Diplomat to Statesman; 6. KAWASE MASATAKA (1840-1919). The Longest-serving Envoy; 7. AOKI SHUÅ ZOÅ (1844-1914). Brief Encounter; 8. KATO Å TAKAAKI (1860-1926). A Remarkable Diplomat and Statesman; 9. HAYASHI TADASU, (1850-1913). Working for the Alliance; 10. INTERLUDE: Life in the Legation/Embassy, 1884-1913; 11. KOMURA JUTAROÅ (1855-1911). Great Statesman; Struggling Diplomat; 12. INOUYE KATSUNOSUKE (1861-1929). A Highly-respected Envoy; 13. CHINDA SUTEMI (1857-1929). Ambassador in Peace and War; 14. HAYASHI GONSUKE (1860-1939). Leading the Way to the Washington Conference; 15. MATSUI KEISHIROÅ (1868-1946). An Efficient Public Servant; 16. MATSUDAIRA TSUNEO (1877-1949). Diplomat and Courtier; 17. YOSHIDA SHIGERU (1878-1967). Difficult Years for Anglo-Japanese Relations; 18. SHIGEMITSU MAMORU (1887-1957). Critical Times in a Long, Ambivalent Career; 19. INTERLUDE: Snapshots of the London Embassy in the 1930s; 20. INTERLUDE: A Diplomat's Daughter in the 1930s; 21. ASAKAI KOÅ ICHIROÅ (1906-1995). High-ranking Envoy Reconnects with Britain; 22. MATSUMOTO SHUNICHI (1897-1988). First Post-war Ambassador; 23. NISHI HARUHIKO (1893-1986). Conscientious and Patriotic Bureaucrat; 24. OHNO KATSUMI (1905-2006). A Mission to Renew Anglo-Japanese Relations; APPENDIXES: I List of Ministers/Ambassadors with Dates; II A Concise History of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Index

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Book Synopsis"Speak softly and carry a big stick" Theodore Roosevelt famously said in 1901, when the United States was emerging as a great power. It was the right sentiment, perhaps, in an age of imperial rivalry but today many Americans doubt the utility of their global military presence, thinking it outdated, unnecessary or even dangerous. In The Big Stick, Eliot A. Cohen-a scholar and practitioner of international relations-disagrees. He argues that hard power remains essential for American foreign policy. While acknowledging that the US must be careful about why, when, and how it uses force, he insists that its international role is as critical as ever, and armed force is vital to that role. Cohen explains that American leaders must learn to use hard power in new ways and for new circumstances. The rise of a well-armed China, Russia''s conquest of Crimea and eastern Ukraine, nuclear threats from North Korea and Iran, and the spread of radical Islamist movements like ISIS are some of the key threats to global peace. If the United States relinquishes its position as a strong but prudent military power, and fails to accept its role as the guardian of a stable world order we run the risk of unleashing disorder, violence and tyranny on a scale not seen since the 1930s. The US is still, as Madeleine Albright once dubbed it, "the indispensable nation."

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Book SynopsisDuring the occupation American policymakers identified elections and education as the wellsprings of a democratic consciousness in Japan. But as the extent of Japan’s economic recovery became clear, they placed prosperity at the core of a revised vision for their new ally’s future, as Jennifer Miller shows in this fresh appraisal of the Cold War.Trade ReviewExhaustively researched and incisively written, Miller’s book is a model of historical scholarship that will be essential reading for scholars and students of 1950s Japan and broader United States–Japan relations. -- Nick Kapur * Diplomatic History *[An] impressive book. Miller’s original thesis, her prodigious research, and her ability to connect her topic to the broader international setting and move its focus from grass roots organizing to high policy will make Cold War Democracy the standard treatment on this important but relatively neglected period in the U.S.-Japan relationship. -- Marc Gallicchio * Passport *Insightful…This most valuable book provides an innovative and significant contribution to the understanding of the democracy-building process in Japan in the postwar years and, more broadly, it can be considered a fundamental reading for scholars and students of US-Japan relations in the Cold War. -- Felice Farina * European Journal of East Asian Studies *By far one of the best books on nation building and democratization…superbly written. * Choice *Cold War Democracy may sound like a contradiction in terms. But as Miller’s nuanced, deeply researched interpretation of postwar relations between the United States and Japan shows, ‘democracy’ provided a flexible vocabulary for both architects and critics of this rapprochement. An innovative study of one of the most durable and significant relationships to have shaped the world since 1945. -- Susan L. Carruthers, author of The Good Occupation: American Soldiers and the Hazards of PeaceHow could the Cold War United States, so publicly and noisily committed to democracy, have supported repression and curbs on free speech while attacking others’ allegedly pernicious neutralism? Using U.S. relations with Japan as her case study, Miller explores this seeming paradox with great insight and deep research, including Japanese-language sources. This is a superb book with big ambitions, fully realized. -- Andrew Rotter, author of Hiroshima: The World’s BombIn this book Miller deftly examines the ideological core of the Japanese–American relationship during the Cold War and shows how it continues to shape international relations to this day. With subtlety she explores the contested and paradoxical meanings of democracy whereby order, unity, stability, spiritual renewal, economic growth, and geopolitical power often subsumed and eclipsed concerns for freedom, equality, individual rights, and peace. This is a book that inspires deep thinking about what democracy-promotion has meant and should mean. -- Melvyn P. Leffler, author of Safeguarding Democratic Capitalism: U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security, 1920–2015Cold War Democracy is a stellar book. Relying on a treasure trove of English- and Japanese-language sources, Miller elucidates the complex—and oftentimes contentious—interplay of politicians, policymakers, intellectuals, labor activists, and grassroots protestors as they shaped a new transpacific relationship after World War II. Anyone interested in diplomatic and international history will gain a lot from this fascinating study. -- Hiroshi Kitamura, author of Screening Enlightenment: Hollywood and the Cultural Reconstruction of Defeated Japan

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Book SynopsisEconomic sanctions provide an alternative to waging war or a means to advance human rights. But are they morally justifiable? Philosophers have explored the ethics of war but rarely the ethics of carrots and sticks. Cécile Fabre offers a defense of economic statecraft, laying out a normative framework for this critical tool of diplomacy.Trade ReviewA sophisticated, timely, and insightful discussion of economic sanctions from a philosophical standpoint. -- Mathias Risse, Harvard UniversityComprehensive, clear, and illuminating, Economic Statecraft is better than anything in the current literature on the use of economic sanctions and conditional offers of material help in foreign policymaking. Fabre develops a compelling and nuanced human rights–based account of when sanctions and aid conditionality can and must be employed. -- Christian Barry, Australian National UniversityEconomic Statecraft confirms Fabre’s standing as one of the outstanding political philosophers of her generation. Not only does she have great depth, clarity, and insight; she applies her exceptional philosophical talents to questions and issues that have great importance, but that have received relatively little philosophical attention. Her relentless examination of the use of economic power in international relations is unlikely to be surpassed any time soon. -- Victor Tadros, University of Warwick

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Book SynopsisThis report analyzes political warfare as it is practiced today by both state and nonstate actors, and provides detailed recommendations regarding the most effective ways that the U.S. government, along with its allies and partners, can respond to or engage in this type of conflict to achieve U.S. ends and protect U.S. interests.

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Book SynopsisA sweeping account of the global rise of English and the high-stakes politics of languageSpoken by a quarter of the world''s population, English is today''s lingua franca--its common tongue. The language of business, popular media, and international politics, English has become commodified for its economic value and increasingly detached from any particular nation. This meteoric rise of English has many obvious benefits to communication. Tourists can travel abroad with greater ease. Political leaders can directly engage their counterparts. Researchers can collaborate with foreign colleagues. Business interests can flourish in the global economy.But the rise of English has very real downsides at times generating intense legal conflicts. In Europe, imperatives of political integration, job mobility, and university rankings compete with pride in national language and heritage as countries like France attempt to curb its spread. In countries like India, South Africa, Morocco, and Rwanda, it has stratified society along lines of English proficiency and devalued commonly spoken languages. In Anglophone countries like the United States and England, English isolates us from the cultural and economic benefits of speaking other languages.In The Rise of English, Rosemary Salomone offers a commanding view of the unprecedented spread of English and the far-reaching effects it has on global and local politics, economics, media, education, and business. From the inner workings of the European Union to China''s use of language as soft power in Africa, Salomone draws on a wealth of research to tell the complex story of English--and, ultimately, to argue for English not as a force for domination but as a core component of multilingualism and the transcendence of linguistic and cultural borders.Trade ReviewIn writing this interesting, solid book, Salomone...was well served by her legal background in assessing multiple case studies in which the rise of English is evident as language, law, and politics interact in Europe and in various postcolonial settings. * M. A. Morris, Clemson University, Choice Connect *[A] panoramic, endlessly fascinating and eye-opening book, with an arresting fact on nearly every page. . . . meticulous and nuanced in chronicling the battles being fought over language policy in countries ranging from Italy to Congo, and analyzing the unexpected winners and losers. * Amy Chua, The New York Times *In this relevant, timely historical analysis, [Rosemary Salomone] tackles many of the relevant angles in the 'English only' debate.... A pertinent, accessible study that asks a big question: What language should the world speak? * Kirkus *A dazzling voyage around the globe uncovering how and why English reigns supreme in the modern world—and what it means for countries, markets, and populations. From France to India, then to China and beyond, Rosemary Salomone excavates the law and politics of language beneath sites of cultural, economic, and social contestation. Fascinating, multidimensional and urgent, The Rise of English traverses intellectual terra nova that reveals the blessing and curse of English global domination. Bravo! * Richard Albert, William Stamps Farish Professor in Law and Professor of Government, The University of Texas at Austin *The Rise of English provides an important study of the role of English in society and education. Rosemary Salomone has not only has written a unique comprehensive overview and analysis of the historical, colonial, and current influence of English; she also gives valuable insights to its competitors and to the future dominance of English. * Hans de Wit, Professor Emeritus and Distinguished Fellow, Center for International Higher Education, Boston College *Based on an overwhelming amount of source material, The Rise of English by Rosemary Salamone provides a panoramic, tremendously informative and always gripping overview of the supremacy of English in today's world and of the push and pull factors that gave it its unique role as the dominant lingua franca. The book combines a broad scope with a keen eye for detail, guiding the reader through countries and continents, along language policies, legislation, and lawsuits. The ever increasing dominance of English in higher education, Europe's policy of multilingualism, Africa's and India's colonial past, and the advantages of individual and societal bilingualism - these are just a few of the many themes that are covered, authoritatively and eruditely. This book is a really impressive tour de force and reading it a rich and rewarding experience. * Annette de Groot, Professor of Experimental Psycholinguistics, University of Amsterdam *In this penetrating analysis of language policies and practices around the world, Professor Salomone reveals a fundamental paradox. In most nations, multilingualism is the norm and English serves as the lingua franca of commerce for purely pragmatic reasons. Meanwhile, in the United States, language remains mired in ideology and identity politics, producing a monolingual mindset with isolating consequences on the international stage. English dominates and distances at the same time. * Rachel F. Moran, , Distinguished Professor of Law, UC Irvine School of Law *The Rise of English is a highly impressive feat of academic research on the dominant role of the English language across very different sociolinguistic contexts around the globe. Rosemary Salomone's style is remarkable and her comprehensive and creative analyses make the book a must read for a worldwide readership. I have no doubt that this book will become a classic in the field of language policy. * Christine Hélot, Emeritus Professor of English, University of Strasbourg *The rise of English is a complex process, which combines plain domination and voluntary commitment, cultural hegemony and pragmatic considerations, economic imperatives and cosmopolitan dreams. Drawing on evidence from four Continents, Rosemary Salomone masterfully tackles this complexity and shows that building sustainable structures of transnational communication requires fostering multilingualism. * Peter A. Kraus, Professor of Political Science, University of Augsburg *Table of ContentsPreface Introduction Chapter 1: The English Divide Part I: Multilingual Europe Chapter 2: Myth or Reality? Chapter 3: A High-Stakes Movement Chapter 4: Shakespeare in the Crossfire Chapter 5: Headwinds from the North Part II: Shadows of Colonialism Chapter 6: The "New Scramble" for Africa Chapter 7: Adieu to French Chapter 8: Redress and Transformation Chapter 9: Confronting the Raj Part III: Defying the Monolingual Mindset Chapter 10: Defining the Deficit Chapter 11: Reshaping the Narrative Chapter 12: A Revolution in the Making Chapter 13: Marketing Language Conclusion Chapter 14: Looking Back, Moving Forward References Index

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Book SynopsisA Wall Street Journal best book of the year"What made this episode in our collective history possible was not so much the lies we told one another, but the lies we told ourselves."A recent Brown University graduate, Michael Soussan was elated when he landed a position as a program coordinator for the United Nations' Iraq Program. Little did he know that he would end up a whistleblower in what PBS NewsHour described as the "largest financial scandal in UN history."Breaking a conspiracy of silence that had prevailed for years, Soussan sparked an unprecedented corruption probe into the Oil-for-Food program that exposed a worldwide system of bribes, kickbacks, and blackmail involving ruthless power-players from around the globe.At the crossroads of pressing humanitarian concerns, crisis diplomacy, and multibillion-dollar business interests, Soussan's story highlights core flaws of our international system and exposes the frightening, corrupting power of the black elixir that fuels our world's economy.

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Book SynopsisThe American war in Vietnam was concluded in 1973 under the terms of a truce that were effectively identical to what was offered to the Nixon administration four years earlier. Those four years cost America billions of dollars and over 35,000 war deaths and casualties, and resulted in the deaths of over 300,000 Vietnamese. And those years were the direct result of the supposed master plan of the most important voice in the Nixon White House on American foreign policy: Henry Kissinger.Using newly available archival material from the Nixon Presidential Library and Kissinger's personal papers, Robert K. Brigham shows how Kissinger's approach to Vietnam was driven by personal political rivalries and strategic confusion, while domestic politics played an outsized influence on Kissinger's so-called strategy. There was no great master plan or Bismarckian theory that supported how the US continued the war or conducted peace negotiations. As a result, a distant tragedy was perpetuated, forever changing both countries. Now, perhaps for the first time, we can see the full scale of that tragedy and the machinations that fed it.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A masterpiece he has recently updated. . . . Baldwin’s (1985) work laid a solid foundation for subsequent studies related to economic statescraft."---Falin Zhang, China International Strategy Review

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Book SynopsisRobert B. Rakove sheds new light on the little-known and often surprising history of U.S. engagement in Afghanistan from the 1920s to the 1979 Soviet invasion, tracing its evolution and exploring its lasting consequences.Trade ReviewThrough expansive multinational archival research, Robert B. Rakove weaves together local, national, and international threads that shaped the history of modern Afghanistan and its engagement with the world. Days of Opportunity is a compelling account of how the nation came to be embroiled in U.S.-Soviet Cold War conflict and the terrible costs to the Afghan people. -- Mary L. Dudziak, author of War Time: An Idea, Its History, Its ConsequencesIn a narrative built on rich detail about individual diplomatic actors and their alliances, rivalries, and networks, Rakove offers tremendous insight on the extent, complexities, and contingencies of the Afghan-American bilateral relationship during the interwar and Cold War eras. -- Shah Mahmoud Hanifi, author of Connecting Histories in AfghanistanIn Days of Opportunity, Rakove uncovers the largely overlooked history of U.S.-Afghanistan relations across the twentieth century. Through expert storytelling and meticulous archival research, he details the two countries’ long, promising, yet frustrating relationship during the decades preceding the Soviet invasion. Rakove gives Afghanistan the attention it deserves as a critical player in twentieth-century international politics. -- Elisabeth Leake, author of Afghan Crucible: The Soviet Invasion and the Making of Modern AfghanistanThis outstanding study offers the most comprehensive exposition and analysis to date of the Afghan-American relationship through the end of the 1970s. Based on extensive archival research, it provides essential context for anyone who seeks to understand the complex historical roots of America's failures in Afghanistan. -- Robert McMahon, author of Dean Acheson and the Creation of an American World OrderTable of ContentsNotes for the ReaderIntroduction: “A Day of Opportunity”1. A Game of Hide-and-Seek: The Afghan Pursuit of Diplomatic Relations, 1921–19382. “We Have a Rare Opportunity”: U.S.-Afghan Relations Amid the World Crisis, 1938–19453. Preeminence and Peril: The American Influx and the Coming of the Afghan Cold War, 1945–19524. “We Might Be Willing to Take a Chance”: The Choice to Contest Afghanistan, 1953–19565. Anxious Coexistence: The Aid Contest, 1956–19596. The Crisis Era, 1959–19637. Reform and Retrenchment, 1963–19688. The Fall of the Monarchy, 1968–19739. Return to Engagement, 1973–197610. The End of Diplomacy, 1977–1979Conclusion: “Into the Jaws of Catastrophe”AcknowledgmentsList of AbbreviationsNotesList of ArchivesIndex

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Book SynopsisSanctions have enormous consequences. Especially when imposed by a country with the economic influence of the United States, sanctions induce clear shockwaves in both the economy and political culture of the targeted state, and in the everyday lives of citizens. But do economic sanctions induce the behavioral changes intended? Do sanctions work in the way they should? To answer these questions, the authors of How Sanctions Work highlight Iran, the most sanctioned country in the world. Comprehensive sanctions are meant to induce uprisings or pressures to change the behavior of the ruling establishment, or to weaken its hold on power. But, after four decades, the case of Iran shows the opposite to be true: sanctions strengthened the Iranian state, impoverished its population, increased state repression, and escalated Iran's military posture toward the U.S. and its allies in the region. Instead of offering an 'alternative to war,' sanctions have become a cause of war. Consequently, How Sanctions Work reveals how necessary it is to understand how sanctions really work.Trade Review"There is no shortage of publications on the Iran sanctions, but it is rare to see such detailed, serious work on this topic by highly knowledgeable scholars. How Sanctions Work introduces a wealth of information and perspectives not generally found in the existing Western academic literature."—Joy Gordon, author of Invisible War: The United States and the Iraq Sanctions"A vital study of the most tragic case in the recent history of economic sanctions. Bajoghli, Nasr, Salehi-Isfahani, and Vaez powerfully demonstrate how large the gap between the severe material effects and the limited political efficacy of sanctions against Iran has grown."—Nicholas Mulder, author of The Economic Weapon: The Rise of Sanctions as a Tool of Modern War"An indispensable book on sanctions' impacts in Iran, How Sanctions Work, opens a window into the fraught, little-understood, but ubiquitous and hugely consequential practice that seems to have supplanted diplomacy in current foreign policy and international relations. This volume shifts our understandings of what sanctions do—in Iran and beyond."—Arzoo Osanloo, author of Forgiveness Work: Mercy, Law, and Victims' Rights in Iran"For the analysts in Washington and Tehran newly evaluating sanctions and their effects, How Sanctions Work is a valuable resource. By centering the targeted country in the discussion of sanctions efficacy, Bajoghli, Nasr, Salehi-Isfahani, and Vaez demonstrate what a case study on sanctions should look like."—Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Responsible StatecraftTable of ContentsIntroduction: The Invisible War 1. When Society Is Sanctioned 2. When Politics Is Sanctioned 3. When Iran Was Sanctioned 4. When an Economy Is Sanctioned 5. What Sanctions Cost the United States 6. What Sanctions Cost Iran—and the World Conclusion: Permanent Siege

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Book SynopsisImperfect Partners is a unique hybrid – part memoir, part foreign policy study of U.S. relations with Southeast Asia, a critically important region that has become the central arena in the global U.S.-China competition. From the People Power revolt in the Philippines to the opening of diplomatic relations with Vietnam, from building a partnership with newly democratic Indonesia to responding to genocide in Myanmar and coups in Thailand, Scot Marciel was present and involved. His direct involvement and deep knowledge of the region, along with his extensive policymaking work in Washington, allows him to bring to life the complexities and realities of key events and U.S. responses, along with rare insights into U.S. foreign policy decisionmaking and the work of American diplomats in the field. Trade ReviewFor the United States, Southeast Asia is one of the most important and least understood parts of the world. Scot Marciel draws on his vast diplomatic experience to bring a wealth of illuminating stories, hard-earned insights, and wise analysis to bear on a region that will help determine our capacity to deal with the most pressing issues of the 21st century. . . . Imperfect Partners is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand Southeast Asia and America’s relationship with its countries and people. -- Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor and author of After the FallDrawing on his 35 years of diplomatic experience, Scot Marciel has written an illuminating survey of the United States’ relations with Southeast Asia. . . . This is an excellent primer on a part of the world whose significance has grown substantially in recent years with the rise of neighboring China. -- John Negroponte, career diplomat, former U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and the first director of national intelligenceAmbassador Scot Marciel has written a gem of a book. His thoughtfully researched account is brought to life with fascinating insights and captivating, on-the-scene anecdotes. . . . Imperfect Partners is a must-read for U.S. policymakers, business leaders, academics, humanitarians, and everyday Americans engaging with the nations of Southeast Asia. -- Kristie Kenney, former State Department counselor and U.S. ambassador to Thailand, the Philippines, and EcuadorA master practitioner has provided us with a ringside view of how our diplomats pursue American interests in Southeast Asia. This is must reading for aspiring Southeast Asia hands who want to familiarize themselves with American regional diplomacy. It’s also indispensable reading for American strategists, who will ignore Ambassador Marciel’s policy prescriptions at their peril. -- Dave Shear, former assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs and U.S. ambassador to Vietnam

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Pushkin House Book Prize 2023*A Telegraph Book of the Year* A Times Best Book of Summer 2023*Shortlisted for the Parliamentary Book Awards*An astonishing investigation into the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war from the corridors of the Kremlin to the trenches of Mariupol.The Russo-Ukrainian War is the most serious geopolitical crisis since the Second World War and yet at the heart of the conflict is a mystery. Vladimir Putin apparently lurched from a calculating, subtle master of opportunity to a reckless gambler, putting his regime and Russia itself at risk of destruction. Why?Drawing on over 25 years' experience as a correspondent in Moscow, as well as his own family ties to Russia and Ukraine, journalist Owen Matthews takes us through the poisoned historical roots of the conflict, into the Covid bubble where Putin conceived his invasion plans in a fog of paranoia about Western threats, and finally into the inner circle around Ukrainian president and unexpected war Trade Review‘Not merely the first full account of the war in Ukraine, but may set the standard for some time to come … a remarkable achievement, with Matthews’s expert eye like an all-seeing drone, buzzing from one side of the conflict to the other’ 5* Telegraph ‘A vivid and revealing first draft of history … The strength of his account lies in his ability to tell the story from many angles, weaving them into a single, fast-paced narrative … fascinating’ Financial Times ‘The best current analysis of the countdown to war’ Serhii Plokhy, TLS ‘There will be many more books on Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, but Owen Matthews’ extraordinary perspective has produced an interim account of special value.’ Daily Mail ‘A wave of hurriedly written books about the Russo-Ukrainian war is about to crash over our bookshops and overburdened shelves, but it is hard not to feel sorry for most of their authors. Owen Matthews has already come out with what is not only one of the fastest, but also likely to be the best, setting a painfully high benchmark for those who follow.’ Times ‘The best new book on Russia … a classic as enduring as Orwell’s Homage to Catalonia’ Literary Review ‘Superb … a true page-turner’ Andrew Roberts, BBC History

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Book SynopsisChina is unique in modern world history. No other rising power has experienced China's turbulent history in its relations with neighbors and Western countries. Its sheer size dominates the region. With leader Xi Jinping's political authority unmatched, Xi's sense of mission to restore what he believes is China's natural position as a great power drives the current course of the nation's foreign policy. When China was weak, it was subordinated to others. Now, China is strong, and it wants others to subordinate, at least on the issues involving what it regards as core national interests. What are the primary forces and how have these forces driven China's reemergence to global power? This book weaves together complex events, processes, and players to provide a historically in-depth, conceptually comprehensive, and up-to-date analysis of Chinese foreign policy transition since the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), arguing that transformational leaders with new visions and political wisdom to make their visions prevail are the game changers. Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, and Xi Jinping are transformational leaders who have charted unique courses of Chinese foreign policy in the quest for security, prosperity, and power. With the ultimate decision-making authority on national security and strategic policies, these leaders have made political use of ideational forces, tailoring bureaucratic institutions, exploiting the international power distribution, and responding strategically to the international norms and rules to advance their foreign policy agendas in the path of China's ascendance. Trade Review"Suisheng Zhao has written the authoritative account of how Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, and Xi Jinping each conceived and executed three radically different eras of Chinese foreign policy. The Dragon Roars Back shows exactly how Xi is problematic for America and the West, in his harboring grievances, holding grandiose visions for the future, and negligence of the dangers his quest entails."—David M. Lampton, Johns Hopkins—SAIS"The Dragon Roars Back is a masterful exploration into the inner dynamics that have driven China's international interactions since 1949. Suisheng Zhao places China's leaders at the center of his analysis—and perceptively reveals the ideational, cultural, bureaucratic, and contextual factors shaping each leaders' policy preferences. A pathbreaking study."—David Shambaugh, the George Washington University, and author of China's Leaders"Suisheng Zhao has made an enormous contribution to the literature on Chinese foreign policy. China is indeed roaring back, and the issue of how the West responds will shape the policy landscape for decades to come. We need to understand China's policy history far better than we do, and Zhao's scholarship puts all who read this on a far better course to do so."—Christopher R. Hill, Former Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia/Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State"China's foreign policy over the seventy-plus years of the People's Republic has gone through transformations so remarkable that structural theories cannot explain them. In this deeply informed yet readable study, Suisheng Zhao shows that the twists and turns in China's relationship to the world were imposed by the powerful visions of three transformational leaders - Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, and Xi Jinping. Understanding how these leaders saw the world and how they tried to change it is essential if we are to understand where Xi Jinping intends to lead China."—Andrew J. Nathan, Columbia University"By offering a fresh perspective on Chinese foreign policy, Zhao's framework moves beyond the overemphasis on structural factors in realism, the attribution of behaviour solely to authoritarianism in the regime-type theory, and the focus on bureaucratic politics in institutionalism."—Chi Zhang, The China Quarterly"Zhao's overview of Chinese foreign policy serves as a useful introduction to that history for readers otherwise unacquainted with it. Recommended."—P. Lorge, CHOICE"Zhao presents a robust and empirically rich rebuttal of the realist theory that China's foreign policy is the straightforward product of its geostrategic position and the broader balance of power."—Andrew J. Nathan, Foreign AffairsTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. Mao Zedong's Revolutionary Diplomacy: Keeping the Wolves from the Door 2. Deng Xiaoping's Developmental Diplomacy: Biding for China's Time 3. Xi Jinping's Big Power Diplomacy: Showing China's Sword 4. Power of the Past over the Present: The Imperial Glory versus the Century of Humiliation 5. Defining National Interests: State versus Popular Nationalism 6. The Party-State Hierarchy: Paramount Leaders versus Institutions 7. Searching for China's Place in the Sun: International Distribution of Power 8. From Revolutionary State to Revisionist Stakeholder: The World Order and Globalization 9. Conclusion: The Mandate of Heaven? China's Quest and Peril

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"The Invention of International Order is a worthwhile read for those interested in international relations, gender history, class analysis, as well as cultural studies and rhetoric all of whom may find this work useful to their own thinking."---Azadeh Ghanizadeh, Cambridge Review of International Affairs"[A] rich and ambitious study. . . . Glenda Sluga has written an excellent book—and one that is not just excellent but also important."---Thomas Peak, Perspectives on Politics

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Book SynopsisAvi Gil served as the Director-General of Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2001 2002), the Director-General of Israel's Ministry of Regional Cooperation (1999-2001), and the Bureau Chief of the Prime Minister's Office (1995 1996). Closely involved in Israel's policy-making and peace negotiations, Gil also served as Director of Content of the 5 Israeli Presidential Conferences (2009-2014). He is currently Senior Fellow at the Jewish People Policy Planning Institute.Trade ReviewIt is rare to read a candid and critical examination of political events and a leader’s actions from an insider’s perspective, devoid of a personal axe to grind. This analysis of Shimon Peres’s thoughts, actions, machinations, and achievements is a rare example of what is captivating and engrossing reading … The process leading to the Oslo Peace Accords and subsequent events are told in fascinating detail. * The Jewish Tribune *Well-informed and perceptive … reveal[ing] a great deal not only about its subject but about the workings of Israeli government. It is more valuable than Peres’s autobiography, of which Gil told Peres that the reader has to get through 400 pages before Peres admits that he made a mistake. “What can I do if I didn’t make mistakes,” Peres replied. Gil, by contrast, has given a real portrait, warts and all. * The Jewish Chronicle *This book is written by a man who is full of admiration, respect and love for his subject, but who nevertheless does not conceal Peres’s warts: his longing for credit, his manipulations, his desire to be loved, his boundless vanity…There are anecdotes aplenty that provide a sense of the man behind the persona that the public thought it knew so well. * The Jerusalem Post *The book, based on Gil’s diaries, notes and memories of several decades in political life, paints a humanizing and often unflattering portrait of one of Israel’s most prominent and enduring politicians. * Jewish Insider *Other advisers had written reverential memoirs about their political bosses. Gil, by contrast, is admiring of Peres’s strengths, but unsparing when it comes to his faults, above all his preening ego. * Mosaic Book of the Year *Shimon Peres wrote many books and books were written about him. None, however, offer the compelling portrait of him that Avi Gil provides in Shimon Peres. Though deeply admiring of Peres and his visionary efforts, Gil lets the reader see his faults—including the need for credit. But he also shows Peres’ self-awareness, his deeper understanding of trends in the region, his capacity to see what was important and strive to achieve it—and, most of all, his readiness to take risks that are an inherent part of leadership. Because he was rarely the leader, he had to manoeuvre others to do what he believed was both necessary and right. For anyone who wants to understand both who Shimon Peres was and what is also possible between Israelis and Palestinians, Shimon Peres is a must read. * Dennis Ross, special Middle East coordinator under President Bill Clinton *A captivating behind-the-scenes account of Shimon Peres, a unique leader and a special friend and colleague of mine, who relentlessly strived to change the face of the Middle East. The intricacies of international diplomacy and the secrets of the Israeli political kitchen are candidly exposed, as only an insightful insider can do. Being a player alongside Shimon Peres does not lessen Gil's intellectual honesty and capacity for self-reflection. This essential book excels in analytical wisdom, flowing narrative, smart political insights, good sense of humor, and a deep understanding of the indispensable human factor. * Javier Solana, former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Secretary-General of NATO, and Foreign Minister of Spain. *A major contribution to the study of a major figure in Israeli politics … illuminating and completely gripping. The account of Peres is nuanced, penetrating, and strikingly fair-minded. * Avi Shlaim, Professor of International Relations at the University of Oxford and fellow of the British Academy, UK *First-rate dive/glimpse into the personal engagement and perseverance of one of Israel’s great leaders in a achieving an important success in Israel’s modern diplomatic history. It is a first-hand account, written lucidly; I found no weaknesses ... probes the personalities and the step by step interchange of progress, setbacks, and potholes in the process. * Professor Kenneth W. Stein, Emory Institute for the Study of Modern Israel, Emory University, USA *Gil’s account of Peres should be of interest to many disparate audiences: students, scholars, close and casual observers of Israel, and those simply interested in a gripping story of a complex leader. Indeed, this book would be a worthy addition to leadership studies. * Guy Ziv, Assistant Professor, School of International Service, American University, USA *It's an excellent book, fascinating, teaching, and very special. I do not remember many who wrote so candidly, deeply and honestly about politics and politicians, and in such an interesting and original way. I could not drop the book from my hands and I do not have enough praise to express. * Prof. Yoram Peri, Director, Institute for Israel Studies, University of Maryland, USA *This is a fascinating book, a wonderful book and not just a must-read book for anyone interested in the subject. Of course, the next time I pass a course on the period or on the design of Israel's foreign policy, the book will be on the mandatory list. This is because the book is readable, full of smart diagnoses and interwoven with a lot of humor that will attract readers to keep reading. * Prof. Shai Feldman, Crown Center for Middle East Studies, Brandeis University, USA *Table of ContentsChapter 1: Call Uri and Give Him the Green Light Chapter 2: Unconventional Performance Chapter 3: The Big Dream: The New Middle East Chapter 4: Oslo: The Supporting Actor’s Triumph Chapter 5: Peace with Jordan: Remember 2 November Chapter 6: Rabin’s Spell Chapter 7: Barak’s Cold Shoulder Chapter 8: Sharon’s Charm Chapter 9: Netanyahu’s Trap Chapter 10: Final Words

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Book SynopsisTwo years before T E Lawrence received orders to travel to the Hejaz to liaise with the leader of the Arab Revolt, other British officers had already roamed the Arabian Peninsula's unforgiving Nejdi desert, to rally tribal support for the British war effort. The first was Captain William Henry Irvine Shakespear, a political agent from the Government of India's Political Department. Born in October 1878 in India, Shakespear spent much of his childhood away from his Anglo-Indian parents, schooling in Portsmouth and later in the Isle of Man, before entering Sandhurst as a British Indian Army Officer Cadet. On his return to India, Shakespear spent six years in military service before he joined the Political Department in 1904, serving twice in Bandar Abbas and briefly in Muscat. Shakespear's next mission was as a political agent in Kuwait, arriving at the coastal Sheikhdom in the spring of 1909. For the next four years, he travelled extensively into the Nejdi desert, providing both London and Delhi with valuable intelligence about the vastly unknown interior as well as cultivating a personal relationship with Ibn Sa'ud, the Emir of Riyadh. At a time when London and Constantinople were negotiating the Anglo-Ottoman treaty, Shakespear almost became persona non grata for advocating the need to back the emir after his tribal warriors had expelled the Ottoman garrisons in al-Hasa in 1913. When war was declared in July 1914, Shakespear was one of the first to try to join the British Army to fight in France, but when the Ottoman Empire looked set to ally with Germany, the powers that had previously shunned him now needed his unique knowledge of Central Arabia and relationship with Ibn Sa'ud. That October, as many of his peers and countrymen crossed the English Channel to reinforce those already in the trenches, Shakespear set sail for Kuwait on special duty to rendezvous with the emir. It was a mission that T E Lawrence would later commend, acknowledging the crucial role that the political agent played during the early stages the Middle Eastern theatre of war. Shakespear was a pioneer in exploring the Nejd, capturing many firsts with his camera, although there were a few other equally intrepid British officials who preceded him into the desert. From the late-18th century, the East India Company collided numerous times with the House of Sa'ud as both attempted to understand the intentions of the other, before the political agent finally laid the foundations for formal diplomatic relations with Ibn Sa'ud, and later with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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Book SynopsisIn 2017, the State Department lost 60% of its career ambassadors. Hiring has been cut and the budget slashed. The idealistic women and men who chose to enter government service are leaving in record numbers, jeopardizing operations both domestically and internationally, and eroding the U.S. standing on the world stage.In There Are No Good Guys, former State Department official Lizzy Shackelford shows this erosion first-hand through her experience within the precarious rise and devastating fall of the world's newest country, South Sudan. Shackleford's excitement about the possibility of encouraging democracy from the ground up quickly turns to questioning, then to shock at the under-resourced American embassy in the capitol and at the miscommunication and willful ignorance perpetuated within the State Department itself. She argues that the decline in diplomacy didn't begin with the current administration, and illustrates the damaging effects of an American foreign policy approach that gives short shrift to the values of democracy, accountability, and human rights that we have long feigned to promote in our overseas engagements.Policy and politics come alive through Shackleford's sense of storytelling and suspense, as she weaves extraordinary tales of life as a young female diplomat with a wry sense of humor and a skeptic's thirst for understanding. And in navigating both American bureaucracy and the fraught history and present of South Sudan, she conveys an urgent message about the evolving (and devolving) state of U.S. foreign policy.

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Book SynopsisTraces the ways in which women have enriched the work of the United Nations from the time of its founding in 1945. This book reviews the evolution of the UN's programs aimed at benefiting the women of developing nations and the impact of women's ideas about rights, equality, and social justice on UN thinking and practice regarding development.Trade Review"This is the 7th of a 14-volume comprehensive history of the United Nations (UN). The book begins with the UN's founding in 1945, when only 4 of the 160 signatories were women, from the Dominican Republic, Brazil, China, and the US. For gender scholars, political scientists, and academics, this is a detailed account of how women used their social capital, power, and networks to measure and highlight women's status around the world. Many familiar concepts and measures of gender inequality are traced to the UN's Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), a subcommittee established within the UN's first year. Equality, political suffrage, child marriage, widow rights, and all aspects ofwomen's visible and invisible work are a few of the measures and studies stemming from the commission. The book details the four global women's conferences (Mexico, Copenhagen, Nairobi, and Beijing). Surely, the impact on women's lives-particularly those of the south-is one of the UN's greatest accomplishments. Summing Up:Recommended. Most levels/librarie" -A. S. Hunter, Idaho State UniversityTable of ContentsContentsList of Boxes and TablesSeries Editors' Foreword Louis Emmerij, Richard Jolly, and Thomas G. WeissForeword Amartya SenAcknowledgmentsList of AbbreviationsIntroduction: Women, Development, and Equality: History as Inconclusive Dialogue1. Setting the Stage for Equality, 1945–19652. Inscribing Development into Rights, 1966–19753. Questioning Development Paradigms, 1976–19854. Development as if Women Mattered, 1986–19955. Lessons from the UN's Sixth Decade, 1996–2005NotesBibliographyIndexAbout the AuthorAbout the United Nations Intellectual History Project

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Book SynopsisMuch bigger and more ambitious than a first-person rise and fall Great vignettes and classy analysis from the man who until a year ago sat at the top of the diplomatic tree There is nothing dusty or dry in his account of dealing with the twin forces of Boris and Donald, and how they've shaped politics and his life' Guardian@realDonaldTrump: The wacky ambassador that the UK foisted on the United States is not someone we are thrilled with, a very stupid guy We will no longer deal with him'Kim Darroch was British Ambassador to the US as the age of Trump dawned and Brexit unfolded. One of the UK's most experienced and respected diplomats, to Darroch was given the task of explaining Trump to the British and Brexit to the Americans. Choosing to resign after his confidential cables criticising the Trump administration were leaked to the press, Darroch's unvarnished, behind-the-scenes account reveals for the first time the inside story of this tumultuous time and reflects more broadly on BTrade Review‘Rude about Theresa May, assertive on Brexit and refreshingly free of self pity … Darroch recounts the events which led to his resignation as UK ambassador in Washington in droll style … It is a highly readable and entertaining account of his diplomatic life and times … He is honest about the “factors” that made Brexit possible. … Rich in insight’Luke Harding, Guardian ‘A sharply written book, full of dry and wry observations … But this book is much bigger and more ambitious than a first-person “rise and fall”. What gives it its narrative force is that the two central characters in the book – Trump and Johnson – are also the emblems of the surge in populism, and the two history-shaping events in US/UK politics: the EU referendum on 23 June 2016, and the US general election a few months later in November … Filled with great vignettes and classy analysis from the man who until just over a year ago sat at the top of the diplomatic tree. And there is nothing dusty or dry in his account of dealing with the twin forces of Boris and Donald, and how they’ve shaped politics – and his life.’Jon Sopel, Guardian ‘Bleakly comic detail … [Darroch] was obliged to serve in a shark tank at feeding time’Max Hastings, Sunday Times ‘In his telling, he reveals a lot about the way Britain has changed over the past few decades, about how it works now, about a relationship with our closest ally that we like to call “special”, and about at least a slice of life in the United States … Anger still burns on the book’s pages … He delivers sharp insights about others; crisply critical about their decisions, while fair-minded and even kind about them as people. Readers will get the feeling that he prefers to pack a punch than make a splash. Now he has done both’Edward Lucas, The Times, Book of the Week

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