War on peace : the end of diplomacy and the decline of American influence

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This book offers a deep exploration of the shifting dynamics of US foreign policy, penned by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ronan Farrow. It highlights the alarming transformation occurring within American diplomacy, where budget cuts have left the State Department understaffed and vulnerable. As diplomats exit, the military-industrial complex increasingly fills the void, leading to a more aggressive, shoot-first approach to international relations. Farrow's journey takes readers from Washington, DC, to conflict zones like Afghanistan, Somalia, and North Korea, shedding light on a critical yet often misunderstood period in American history. Drawing from his experience as a former State Department official, he provides a personal perspective on key figures in diplomacy, such as Richard Holbrooke, who sought peace in Bosnia and died in pursuit of it in Afghanistan. Through newly discovered documents and interviews with warlords, whistle-blowers, and former secretaries of state, Farrow argues that diplomacy has suffered due to political cowardice and short-sightedness. Yet, he contends that it remains a vital tool for navigating a world rife with conflict, offering a potential path toward peace.