This book operates on two distinct levels.

On one hand, it serves as an outstanding biography of six individuals who were committed to public service and were deeply involved in American diplomacy during a crucial period in the nation's history, namely World War II and the early Cold War. It delves into their lives, their contributions, and the challenges they faced.

On the other hand, it elucidates how the powerful ideas that guided American foreign policy during the Cold War, such as containment and anti-communism, were formulated. It also explores the force that these ideas acquired, often超出 the control of their originators.

This is undoubtedly the best book I have ever read about the Cold War. While other books may concentrate on the theories and implementation of Cold War strategy, like John Gaddis' excellent "Strategies of Containment A Critical Appraisal of American National Security Policy during the Cold War," this book, by zeroing in on six men who were right in the midst of it all, provided me with a far better understanding of the how and why behind the formation of these strategies. It offers a unique and valuable perspective that enriches our knowledge of this significant era in history.

In International Relations programs, George Kennan is often venerated as a demigod. His prescient "Long Telegram" is still a sacred text of sorts. In the latest issue of Foreign Affairs, he was name-checked twice. Similarly, Dean Acheson is famous as one of the great Secretaries of State.

By contrast, I'd not heard of any of the other "Wise Men" before reading the book. The book manages to simultaneously tell a partial history of the Cold War while also documenting the lives of its six protagonists, which is not an easy feat. It's strongest in how it humanizes everyone. Isaacson establishes that all six - as well as the Presidents they served under - had great flaws, from Kennan's excessive sensitivity to Acheson's arrogance. They made mistakes, predicted events incorrectly, or missed opportunities.

As much as I enjoyed Isaacson's bashing of Joe McCarthy and John Foster Dulles, the criticism seemed to stem less from these antagonists' enormously problematic worldviews than from their opposition to The Wise Men. I do wonder if the book could have been more even-handed in its assessment of foreign policy. Isaacson is on weaker ground when he wanders into hypotheticals as he generally views The Wise Men in a sympathetic light.

Perhaps a more objective analysis would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of the complex foreign policy decisions made during that era. Nevertheless, the book offers valuable insights into the lives and actions of these influential figures.

I've had this book on my bookshelf for over 30 years. The reason is that it features someone I knew and interacted with for a few years in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

When the audio version was released, I purchased it and attempted to listen during long road trips. As non-fiction, it was convenient to return to periodically.

Well, I finally completed it just this past week. I probably began it two years ago. And I read/heard the majority of it in the last six months. I even delved into and read the actual book between long road trips.

The book was originally co-authored by Walter Isaacson, who is renowned for his biography of Steve Jobs and his recent work on Elon Musk.

As expected, it is well-written. "The Wise Men" narrates the story of the reordering of the international order after WWII by examining the intertwined efforts of six men. They were friends with similar backgrounds, such as attending private school, working for Henry Stimson (Secretary of War during WWII), and sharing clubs and associations like the Council on Foreign Relations. Two were lawyers, two were businessmen, and two were career government workers, especially in the Defense and State Departments. Two are relatively well-known - Averill Harriman and Dean Acheson. George Kennan is most famous for his article on containment in "Foreign Affairs" in the late 1940s, signed X. John (Jack) McCloy was High Commissioner to Germany after WWII and also President of the World Bank. Later, he was the Chairman of Chase Manhattan Bank and then senior partner of a major Wall Street law firm. Chip Bolan and Bob Lovett are far less known. But all six of these men advised US Presidents from FDR through Nixon. They were all regarded as "the wise men" to offer thoughtful, consistent, experientially and historically sound counsel. They didn't all agree with each other, but they all contributed to building the structure of foreign policy through Vietnam and firmly believed in public service without political agendas or personal advancements.

One theme of the book is how the US became a major world power admired (or at least recognized) globally during the period they served. The book concludes in the 1980s when the last of them passed away, having contributed until the end of their lives. The legacy they left has been dismantled by younger successors who focus on division and self-promotion.

The roots of the polarization we endure today trace back to that time when the torch was passed. The new players with diverse backgrounds and beliefs do not blend well and don't tend to collaborate. Competition rather than cooperation, disdain for compromise, and the chaos of pendulum-swinging policies have weakened US foreign policy and world leadership.

The story of "The Wise Men" describes a time when cameras and publicity had less influence, a time when using back channels got things accomplished, and a more orderly era when leaders were expected to lead, not just follow the public's moods.

Overall, this is a history worth learning about. It's impossible to turn back the clock, but we could all benefit from a bit more restraint, more study before jumping to conclusions, and definitely better manners in fulfilling public and foreign policy responsibilities.

Fantastic book!

Although it is a long book, it encompasses a vast amount of ground and a significant time span. Contrary to the myth I was made to believe, the foreign policy consensus of an engaged America firmly standing against communism (which, in an ideal world, should have been directed against Russia, thanks to George Kennan) was far from smooth. Even the adoption of the supremely sensible Marshall Plan was anything but easy.

The writers utilize solid prose. Full disclosure: the writing may not be in Caro's league - but then again, whose is? This book is strongly recommended to anyone who desires a better understanding of our modern - and, unfortunately, decaying - world order. It provides valuable insights into the complex and often tumultuous history that has shaped the world we live in today.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply someone interested in understanding the forces that have influenced global events, this book is well worth your time. It offers a comprehensive and engaging account that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that have arisen in the pursuit of a stable and just world order.

So, if you're looking for a thought-provoking and informative read, look no further than this fantastic book.