Ronan Farrow, journalist, lawyer, diplomat, influencer. And author of a timely account of international events seen through the eyes of an insider and a journalist with access. Mr. Farrow has been a TV anchor, an author of significance in modern journalism, and a subject of criticism for his efforts in these areas.
His book reflects his experiences as an individual who worked closely as a young diplomat with State Dept. executive and long time American operative Richard Holbrooke. He recounts the later career moves of Mr. Holbrooke as he navigates the international moves of American military and diplomatic efforts to secure peace in the Middle East and in the Gulf Region during the early years of the 21st century until Mr. Holbrooke's sudden death in 2010. He chronicles the moves of the State Dept. as presidents come and go, including George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. In addition, he points out the effects of new Secretaries of State, including Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Colin Powell, Madeline Albright, and most recently, Rex Tillerson.
His insights provide a careful examination of how the military has assumed the role formerly assigned to the Dept. of State: that of the international negotiator when it comes to conflicts around the world. He asserts that as the military has achieved supremacy in the role of international leader of policy, the State Dept. has slipped to a secondary role which in turn has allowed other countries(China, Russia, et all.) to fill the space of diplomatic efforts. The consequences of this change has been a decline of influence across the world of America. Since Trump has occupied the White House, the change has become more evident. Mr. Farrow does not predict a return to the former position occupied by the State Dept. anytime soon. The new Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, appears to fit in with the Trump administration quite well. Most recently, Mr. Pompeo has come under scrutiny for possible use of government funds for personal use, and Mr. Trump has removed the State Dept. Inspector General.
Mr. Farrow carries the reader around the globe, identifying known areas of conflict and what the State Dept. did or did not do at the time and the results. The situation in Colombia, South America, clearly indicates the problems with dealing in the old manner of supporting supposed leaders who could be identified as supporters of democracy, for better, and usually worse.
The quagmire that has become Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan is the poster child of American efforts using the military as the prime source of influence. The multiple warlords who appear among the many provides ample evidence that not m uch can be expected from military efforts. One in particular, called Dostrom, obviously a murderous individual, is an easy target for the author. He interviewed this individual and the information gathered is not much help in assessing his over all role in the region.
I recommend this book for a timely look into the world of 21st century diplomacy.
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