A revelatory account from a Washington insider of how modern
presidents have succeeded--and failed--in making foreign policy. An
important contribution in the wake of recent American experiences
abroad, and an essential book for the new administration, here is a
fascinating, in-depth look at what actually happens in the Oval
Office from a respected expert who has held high-level positions in
several governments.
Illuminating the qualities of personal leadership--character,
focus, determination, persuasiveness, and consistency--that
determine a president's ability to guide his staff, Peter W. Rodman
makes clear how these qualities shape policy and determine how this
policy is implemented. With telling anecdotes and trenchant
analysis, he reminds us of the importance of a president's vision
for the world and of his ability to make this vision a reality.
Rodman's tour through the past forty years recounts both high
points and dismal lows. He shows how Nixon's deep knowledge of the
world combined with his personal paranoia to produce great
victories (China) and deep failures (the demoralization of State
and other departments). He demonstrates how Carter suffered from
his own indecisiveness, and how Reagan's determined focus in
dealing with the Soviets contrasted with his lack of attention to
the Middle East, which helped lead to the disastrous events in
Beirut. And, finally, he illustrates how George W. Bush put too
much stock in bureaucratic consensus and, until the surge, failed
to push hard enough for new strategies in Iraq.
Rodman offers an original and telling survey of modern presidential
policy-making, challenging many conventional accounts of events as
well as many standard remedies. This is a vivid story of
larger-than-life Washington personalities in action, an invaluable
guide for our new president, and a deeply insightful primer on
executive leadership.
"From the Hardcover edition."
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