War on Peace

It's hard to imagine there is a single important diplomat Ronan Farrow didn't speak to in the course of reporting this remarkable account of American diplomacy in decline. This is no surprise: who better than a diplomat-turned-investigative-reporter to bring this deeply reported, acutely observed, and morally righteous chronicle of a nation that has all but abandoned diplomacy in favor of high-tech, high-ticket military action at just the perilous moment when steely and patient diplomacy is needed more than ever. This scoop-laden book is essential reading for those of us who yearn for peace and American moral leadership on a fractious planet.--Lydia Polgreen, former editorial director, New York Times Global, and editor-in-chief, HuffPost Dogged research and persuasive argument....Farrow brings to his book astonishing access....[he is] an indefatigable and imaginative reporter.--David Shribman Farrow draws on both government experience and fresh reporting to offer a lament for the plight of America's diplomats--and an argument for why it matters. 'Classic, old-school diplomacy, ' he observes, is 'frustrating' and involves 'a lot of jet lag.' Yet his wry voice and storytelling take work that is often grueling and dull and make it seem...vividly human.--Daniel Kurtz-Phelan A masterpiece....The writing sparkles.--Dan Simpson A compelling mixture of political analysis and personal anecdote.--Andrew Anthony Offers lively writing, astute commentary, and plenty of great stories, laced through with passion and outrage....Farrow is a natural storyteller, and his empathy and imagination breathe life even into the endless, awkward Thanksgiving dinner that constitutes diplomacy.--Rosa Brooks Has the United States turned its back on diplomacy, and on its diplomats? And if so, at what cost? Farrow makes a good case that we have, and that the cost will be high....He captures extraordinarily well what the work of diplomacy means.--Barbara K. Bodine

Ronan Farrow is an investigative journalist who writes for The New Yorker and makes documentaries for HBO. He has been an anchor and reporter at MSNBC and NBC News, and his writing has appeared in publications including The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. He is a winner of the Pulitzer Prize, the George Polk Award, and the National Magazine Award, among other commendations, and has been named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People. He is also an attorney and former State Department official. He lives in New York City.