BOOK SELECTIONS FOR JANUARY 2021 - WHAT WE'RE CURRENTLY READING...
With the inauguration of a new American President before us, US foreign policy and those who've historically been so critical in its formulation are coming to the fore even more. The following selections reflect our turn to focus on Joe Biden's cabinet, some of the personalities which may influence his foreign policy thinking, and historical establishment figures within the American political scene. There are some other additions in there as well.
1. TOUGH LOVE - SUSAN RICE
Dr Susan Rice, a brilliant academic and high level official in the Obama administration, recalls some critical moments of her time in office. She goes through the challenges and obstacles as well as the thought process behind some of the most intractable problems faced by the Obama administration in both domestic and foreign affairs. Now tapped to join the Biden administration, her impact will felt for at-least another four years - it would serve well to become acquainted with her thinking.
Book Available here
Book Available here
2. MADELEINE ALBRIGHT - MADAM SECRETARY
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The first female Secretary of State in US history, Ms Albright served under US President Bill Clinton and proved to leave a transformative legacy. Her presence in the State Department ushered in an era of female Secretaries of State and national security advisors which included, among others, Condoleezza Rice, Hillary Clinton, Samantha Powers and Susan Rice. Her contributions in insisting on NATO and by extension US intervention into the events in the Balkans in the 1990s has left a mix legacy of which she is sure to explore in this book.
Book Available here |
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3. THE MAN WHO RAN WASHINGTON - JAMES BAKER III
A lawyer by training James Baker III was critical in so many maneuverings and deals inside the US Capital of Washington that he was essentially a King maker. Most notably, his role in pulling out a win for George W. Bush in the election battle between Al Gore - which eventually went to the Supreme Court - is only one of his many deal-making and masterful strategy moments in the political realm. Having served as a Chief of Staff, Secretary of State, and advisor in so many capacities, Baker's memoirs is a must read for any political mind.
Book Available here
Book Available here
4. THE ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF PEACE - JOHN MAYNARD KEYNES
As one of the world's most lauded economists, Keynes' importance has proven indispensable to understanding modern economic theory. In his work, The Economic Consequences of Peace published in 1920, Keynes offers a sharp critique of the Treaty of Versailles which was signed after World War I. More than a decade later, the effects of what he considered to be a misguided arrangement were seen in the rise of Adolf Hitler and eventually an all out war in World War II.
Book Available here
Book Available here
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