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, HuffPostDogged research and persuasive argument....Farrow brings to his book astonishing access....[he is] an indefatigable and imaginative reporter.--David ShribmanFarrow 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-PhelanA masterpiece....The writing sparkles.--Dan SimpsonA compelling mixture of political analysis and personal anecdote.--Andrew AnthonyOffers 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 BrooksHas 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