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Rating: 
Summary: An Unrefined Gem
Review: Zbigniew Brzezinski was the National Security Advisor (or Special Advisor to the President for National Security Affairs) for President Carter. This alone makes his memoirs useful reading for anyone interested in how the formulation of foreign policy works. There are several caveats to keep in mind with this book. First and most important is that Brzezinski has always been an apologist for Carter, and this book reflects that fact, as well as Brzezinski's personal stake in portraying a foreign policy he helped formulate. Second, Brzezinski is very careful not to step on any toes. Brzezinski begins the book by explaining his relationship with the other major players, and he is very careful to express respect for them, personally as well as professionally. The book is carefully written so as not to cast anyone in an overly negative light, and this cuts down on its usefulness. Lastly, it occasionally reads like a copy of his schedule for the day-- 8:15 meeting with the President. Ate breakfast. Wrote a memo. However, the pace often picks up, and the format sometimes gives a useful insight into the workings of power in the White House. That said, Brzezinski's memoirs give a fascinating insight into the formulation of foreign policy in recent history and a detailed explanation of the major events in foreign policy in the Carter era. The "close-in" format gives an interesting view of the nitty-gritty of diplomacy, and illustrates how useful proximity to the President can be in the internecine power games of the White House. Not destined to be a classic on the shelves of those interested in foreign affairs, due to its unrefined quality and excessive care not to offend anyone, but a useful and interesting ready anyway.
Rating:
Summary: An Unrefined Gem
Review: Zbigniew Brzezinski was the National Security Advisor (or Special Advisor to the President for National Security Affairs) for President Carter. This alone makes his memoirs useful reading for anyone interested in how the formulation of foreign policy works. There are several caveats to keep in mind with this book. First and most important is that Brzezinski has always been an apologist for Carter, and this book reflects that fact, as well as Brzezinski's personal stake in portraying a foreign policy he helped formulate. Second, Brzezinski is very careful not to step on any toes. Brzezinski begins the book by explaining his relationship with the other major players, and he is very careful to express respect for them, personally as well as professionally. The book is carefully written so as not to cast anyone in an overly negative light, and this cuts down on its usefulness. Lastly, it occasionally reads like a copy of his schedule for the day-- 8:15 meeting with the President. Ate breakfast. Wrote a memo. However, the pace often picks up, and the format sometimes gives a useful insight into the workings of power in the White House. That said, Brzezinski's memoirs give a fascinating insight into the formulation of foreign policy in recent history and a detailed explanation of the major events in foreign policy in the Carter era. The "close-in" format gives an interesting view of the nitty-gritty of diplomacy, and illustrates how useful proximity to the President can be in the internecine power games of the White House. Not destined to be a classic on the shelves of those interested in foreign affairs, due to its unrefined quality and excessive care not to offend anyone, but a useful and interesting ready anyway.
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