The Back Channel

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From America's "secret diplomatic weapon" comes a memoir of service for five Presidents and ten Secretaries of State, advocating for diplomacy as the primary tool in American statecraft. Ambassador William J. Burns, a distinguished diplomat, played a central role in key diplomatic events over four decades, including the end of the Cold War, relations with Putin's Russia, and post-9/11 challenges in the Middle East. Secretary John Kerry noted Burns's status as one of America's diplomatic legends. In this memoir, Burns recounts pivotal moments of his career with vivid detail and analysis, utilizing newly declassified cables and memos to provide an inside look at American diplomacy. His experiences in war-torn Chechnya, Qadhafi's camp in Libya, and his warnings about the "Perfect Storm" from the Iraq War will reshape our understanding of history and future policy debates. Burns outlines effective American leadership in a world that differs from both the Cold War era and the subsequent "unipolar moment." Ultimately, this account is a deeply informed and timely reflection on a life dedicated to American interests abroad, emphasizing the crucial role of diplomacy in turbulent times.