Quick Take

From America's "secret diplomatic weapon" (The Atlantic), comes a memoir of service for five Presidents and ten Secretaries of State, an impassioned argument for renewing diplomacy as the tool of first resort in American statecraft.Ambassador William J. Burns is the most distinguished and admired American diplomat of his generation. Over the course of four decades, he played a central role in the most consequential diplomatic episodes of his time--from the bloodless end of the Cold War to post-Cold War relations with Putin's Russia, from post-9/11 tumult in the Middle East to the secret nuclear talks with Iran. Upon his retirement, Secretary John Kerry said Burns belonged on "the short list of American diplomatic legends, alongside George Kennan."In The Back Channel, Burns recounts with vivid detail and incisive analysis some of the seminal moments of his career. He draws on a trove of newly declassified cables and memos to give readers a rare, inside look at American diplomacy in action. His dispatches from war-torn Chechnya and Qadhafi's camp in the deserts of Libya and his searing memos warning of the "Perfect Storm" unleashed by the Iraq War will reshape our understanding of history and the policy debates of the future. Burns sketches the contours of effective American leadership in a world that resembles neither the zero-sum Cold War contest of his early years as a diplomat, nor the "unipolar moment" of American primacy that followed. Ultimately, The Back Channel is an eloquent, deeply informed, and timely story of a life spent in service of American interests abroad, as well as a powerful reminder, in a time of great turmoil, of the importance of diplomacy.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Back Channel: A Memoir of American Diplomacy and the Case for Its Renewal

Introduction

"The Back Channel: A Memoir of American Diplomacy and the Case for Its Renewal" by William J. Burns is a captivating memoir that offers readers a glimpse into the world of American diplomacy. Burns, a distinguished diplomat with a career spanning four decades, recounts his experiences and provides insights into some of the most significant diplomatic episodes of his time. This article will delve into the book's content, analyze readers' views, and summarize the reasons for recommending or not recommending it.

About William J. Burns

William J. Burns, the author of "The Back Channel," is a highly respected and admired American diplomat. With a career spanning four decades, Burns has played a central role in shaping American diplomacy during critical moments in history. He has served under five Presidents and ten Secretaries of State, making him a valuable source of knowledge and experience. Burns' background in history and international relations, coupled with his extensive diplomatic career, makes him an ideal author to write a memoir on American diplomacy.

Analysis of Views

Insightful and Engaging: Readers praise Burns' writing style, describing it as engaging and insightful. His ability to provide a candid look at American diplomacy through his own experiences adds depth and authenticity to the book.
Comprehensive Overview: "The Back Channel" offers readers a comprehensive overview of critical foreign policy events over the past three decades. It provides valuable insights into the inner workings of key diplomatic milestones and offers a comparison of approaches across different administrations.
Authentic Voice: Burns' passionate belief in the nobility of diplomacy resonates with readers. His authentic voice and genuine admiration for his chosen profession make the book more compelling and inspiring.
Candor and Criticism: Burns does not shy away from critically examining the mistakes made by the U.S. government in foreign policy. He provides a balanced view of successes and failures, giving readers a deeper understanding of the complexities of diplomacy.
Timely Message: In a time when diplomacy is often overshadowed by military interventions, Burns' memoir serves as a reminder of its importance. His message advocating for the renewal of diplomacy as a tool of first resort in American statecraft is particularly relevant and timely.

Reasons for Recommendation

Firsthand Account: "The Back Channel" offers readers a unique firsthand account of state department activities from the 1980s through the Obama administration. Burns' experiences and insights provide valuable context for understanding the complexities of U.S. foreign policy during this period.
In-Depth Analysis: The book delves into critical foreign policy issues, offering readers an in-depth analysis of key events and their implications. It provides a deeper understanding of major world leaders and their roles in shaping international relations.
Engaging Writing Style: Burns' writing style is praised for being engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow along with his narrative. His ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner makes the book enjoyable to read.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Insight: Some readers feel that the book lacks insightful analysis or fresh perspectives on American diplomacy. They find that it primarily serves as a retrospective account of Burns' experiences rather than offering new insights or perspectives on the subject matter.
Self-Promotion: A few readers express concerns about Burns' tendency to emphasize his own accomplishments throughout the book. They feel that this detracts from the overall narrative and undermines the credibility of his observations.

Conclusion

"The Back Channel: A Memoir of American Diplomacy and the Case for Its Renewal" by William J. Burns is a compelling memoir that offers readers a rare glimpse into the world of American diplomacy. Through his experiences, Burns provides insights into critical foreign policy events and highlights the importance of diplomacy in shaping international relations. While some readers find the book lacking in fresh perspectives or criticize its self-promotional nature, others appreciate its comprehensive overview, engaging writing style, and timely message advocating for the renewal of diplomacy. Overall, "The Back Channel" is a valuable addition to any reader's collection, particularly those interested in American foreign policy and diplomacy.