Download The Back Channel A Memoir of American Diplomacy and the Case for Its Renewal Audible Audio Edition William J Burns Mark Bramhall Random House Audio Books

Product details Audible Audiobook Listening Length 17 hours and 5 minutes Program Type Audiobook Version Unabridged Publisher Random House Audio Audible.com Release Date March 12, 2019 Whispersync for Voice Ready Language English, English ASIN B07NPSTTGZ

The Back Channel A Memoir of American Diplomacy and the Case for Its Renewal Audible Audio Edition William J Burns Mark Bramhall Random House Audio Books Reviews

• The back channel is a first person accounting by Burns, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia and career Foreign Service officer of the highs and lows of American foreign policy and diplomacy in recent decades. In short, it provides a strong defense of American diplomacy and the need for negotiation in a non–zero-sum world. The stories are fascinating, delving into issues relating to numerous foreign powers, and particularly Russia.
  
  In all, it provides a great insight, and a valuable lesson, regarding the importance of foreign diplomacy in an ever more interconnected world.
• Throughout the “The Back Channel” Author William J. Burns gives the reader an incredible front row seat to the last thirty plus years of American diplomacy (or sometimes the lack of diplomacy!) Through the author’s respectful and thought-provoking critique of the past 5 presidential administrations we are able to see where our foreign policy has served us well and where it has failed. The author does an amazing job of sifting through his years of service focusing on critical events and policies that give context to not only where we have been and where we are, but even more importantly what the future could be! While politically there were policies I opposed, I closed the book with an incredible respect and appreciation for the hard work, intelligence, and agility that goes into achieving a coherent and credible foreign policy. I couldn’t help but think how lucky our country had been to have the service of William Burns. And despite the incredibly challenging times before us, after reading “The Back Channel”, I am left with the belief that there will be others following William Burns that are ready to dedicate themselves to developing and implementing a coherent foreign policy/diplomacy that recognizes our values, respects the values of others and can still give hope to the world. And even more importantly upon finishing the book, I am left knowing that while changes may be necessary to reflect the dynamics of a new world, it is critical that the work of diplomacy not only continue but be made a priority for our country! I was honored to receive a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the Publisher, Random House in exchange for an honest review.
• I could not recommend this book more highly. When I was the Air Force planner, I got to know Bill Burns's father--a distinguished public servant. His son follows in his footsteps. As America faces an uncertain future, Bill Burns's book should be the guidebook, especially for those who live in the world of diplomacy. I have just placed it on my short list of recommended books for executives.