• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: William Collins (April 24, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0007575637
• ISBN-13: 978-0007575633

This book describes the dismantling of the Department of State and the transfer of its power to the White House (and now Donald Trump) and the military.  This did not start with Donald Trump, but the process was dramatically accelerated by him.  It shows how people with decades of experience in diplomacy are being replaced with relative amateurs.  Mr. Farrow points out how the wave of nationalism sweeping our country has left a void in world leadership which is being willingly filled by China, which is in the process of replacing the USA as the world leader in diplomatic influence.

I recently spent a month in Costa Rica during which time I learned that the major soccer stadium of San Jose, Costa Rica “El Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica” was a gift from China (Cost of construction = $110 Million).

At that time I wondered, “Why would China do that?”.  Now I know.

I remember asking myself, why did the USA spend so much money on foreign aid to so many other countries.  We did it because by being friendly and engaged with the world not only promoted goodwill but also facilitated our ability to affect our agenda.

In a time of America retreating from the world stage, multiply what happened in Costa Rica by the number of countries in the world and you can see how China will be able to rapidly replace us in that role.

So step aside USA, make room for China.

The Iran nuclear deal is discussed and it is pointed out how although far from perfect, in a complex world, that is the way deals/compromises look. The alternative, armed conflict/war is so costly in terms of money, lives, suffering, that one must endeavor to prevent it whenever possible.

About Ronan Farrow

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