Turmoil and Triumph

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George Shultz offers a personal account of his tenure as secretary of state under President Ronald Reagan from 1982 to 1989, providing a rare and articulate perspective on American foreign policy. At a time marked by the Lebanon war, an escalating arms race, and rampant terrorism, Shultz's blend of strength and diplomacy led to significant initiatives in the Middle East, transformative strategies for peace with the Soviets, and enhanced influence in Asia, Central, and South America. He recounts behind-the-scenes negotiations with Palestinians and Israelis, pivotal meetings with Soviet leaders, and candid discussions with Japanese and Chinese officials. The book also explores the internal power dynamics within the State Department, National Security Council, White House, and CIA, culminating in the Iran-Contra affair, which is presented with new insights that may prompt a reevaluation of that era. Shultz vividly portrays key figures from his time, including Mikhail Gorbachev, Margaret Thatcher, and Ronald Reagan himself, whose complex character is revealed in a startling assessment. This account reads like high drama and living history, offering unparalleled depth, scope, and significance from a member of the Reagan administration.