War on Peace: The End of Diplomacy and the Decline of American Influence

by Ronan Farrow
War on Peace: The End of Diplomacy and the Decline of American Influence cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Investigative Journalism
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  • ID: 9270
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9780007575657
  • Publisher: William Collins
  • Published: 2021-07-22
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In 'War on Peace,' Ronan Farrow, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former State Department official, exposes the dire transformation of U.S. foreign policy. He illustrates how budget cuts and political decisions have weakened diplomatic institutions, leading to a world where military actions often precede diplomatic efforts. Farrow's firsthand experiences and interviews with key figures, including every living secretary of state, provide a unique perspective on the consequences of this shift. /n/nFarrow argues that diplomacy, once a cornerstone of American influence, is now endangered. Through his investigations, he uncovers the personal stories of diplomats and the broader implications of their dwindling numbers. The book makes a compelling case for the importance of diplomacy in a world increasingly marked by conflict and instability.

Reviews
Bookmarks Reviews · 2026-01-04
compelling 4.00

The book is rich, messy, and imperfect, but ultimately worth it. It provides a detailed account of the decline of American diplomacy.

The reviewer describes 'War on Peace' as a rich and complex book that, like diplomacy itself, is messy and imperfect. Despite its flaws, the book is ultimately worth reading for its detailed account of the decline of American diplomacy. The reviewer appreciates the depth and breadth of the book's content, which offers a nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by diplomats. The book's imperfections are seen as part of its charm, making it a compelling read for those interested in international relations.

Quick quotes

    In the end, 'War on Peace' is much like Farrow's characterization of diplomacy itself: rich, messy and imperfect, but ultimately, more than worth it.

    The book offers a nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by diplomats.

    The book's imperfections are seen as part of its charm.

Tyson Adams Blog · Tyson Adams · 2022-03-25
enlightening 4.00

This book provides valuable insights into the defunding and marginalization of diplomacy. It is a compelling read that sheds light on the under-resourcing of the State Department.

Tyson Adams' review of 'War on Peace' highlights the book's crucial insights into the decline of American diplomacy. They point out that the book effectively illustrates how diplomacy has been defunded, marginalized, and under-resourced, while the military has been prioritized. Adams finds the book to be a compelling and necessary read for understanding the current state of US foreign policy. They appreciate Farrow's detailed and well-researched account, which provides a stark picture of the challenges faced by diplomats and the broader implications for global stability.

Quick quotes

    This book has a lot of good insights into how diplomacy has been defunded, marginalised, and under-resourced while the military has been placed ...

    The book is a dive into the State Department and America's unsteady history of diplomacy.

    War on Peace is an indispensable and fascinating revelation of what diplomats actually do for our country and why undermining them is so dangerous.

Cannonball Read · 2019-02-24
informative 4.20

The book offers a rich and detailed account of the State Department and America's history of diplomacy. It is a valuable read for understanding the current challenges faced by diplomats.

The Cannonball Read review of 'War on Peace' delves into the book's exploration of the State Department and America's history of diplomacy. They note that the book provides a rich and detailed account, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding the current challenges faced by diplomats. The review highlights the book's focus on the gutting of the State Department under the Trump administration, providing a critical perspective on the decline of American diplomacy. They appreciate the book's comprehensive approach, which offers insights into the broader implications of undermining diplomacy.

Quick quotes

    The book is a dive into the State Department and America's unsteady history of diplomacy.

    While the gutting of State under the Trump administration is a significant focus, the book provides a broader historical context.

    Farrow's narrative is richly informed by interviews with whistleblowers, policymakers, and a warlord, from Henry Kissinger to Hillary Clinton.

Global Policy Journal · 2018-10-01
insightful 4.50

This book is a must-read for anyone concerned about the US role in the world. It provides a detailed account of the decline of American diplomacy.

The Global Policy Journal review highlights the importance of 'War on Peace' for understanding the current state of American diplomacy. They emphasize that the book is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in the US role in global affairs. The review notes that while the book does not provide all the answers, it offers a comprehensive and gripping account of the decline of diplomacy, making it an indispensable read. They appreciate the detailed and rich narrative that Farrow presents, which sheds light on the critical issues facing American diplomacy today.

Quick quotes

    Even though Farrow does not answer such questions, 'War on Peace' is an absolute must-read for anyone concerned about the US role in the world.

    This dense, gripping, impossibly detailed account of the decline of American diplomacy leaves me wondering how a single country can give birth ...

    In the end, War on Peace is much like Farrow's characterization of diplomacy itself: rich, messy and imperfect, but ultimately, more than worth it.

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