After the Fall

Being American in the World We've Made

By: Ben Rhodes

Narrated by: Ben Rhodes

Length: 12 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best seller

“Vital reading for Americans and people anywhere who seek to understand what is happening ‘after the fall’ of the global system created by the United States” (New York Journal of Books), from the former White House aide, close confidant to President Barack Obama, and author of The World as It Is

At a time when democracy in the United States is endangered as never before, Ben Rhodes spent years traveling the world to understand why. He visited dozens of countries, meeting with politicians and activists confronting the same nationalism and authoritarianism that are tearing America apart. Along the way, he discusses the growing authoritarianism of Vladimir Putin, and his aggression toward Ukraine, with the foremost opposition leader in Russia, who was subsequently poisoned and imprisoned; he profiled Hong Kong protesters who saw their movement snuffed out by China under Xi Jinping; and America itself reached the precipice of losing democracy before giving itself a fragile second chance.

The characters and issues that Rhodes illuminates paint a picture that shows us where we are today - from Barack Obama to a rising generation of international leaders; from the authoritarian playbook endangering democracy to the flood of disinformation enabling authoritarianism. Ultimately, Rhodes writes personally and powerfully about finding hope in the belief that looking squarely at where America has gone wrong can make clear how essential it is to fight for what America is supposed to be, for our own country and the entire world.

©2021 Ben Rhodes (P)2021 Random House Audio

Insightful and far-ranging

Mr. Rhodes provides insights on the most current political questions of the moment from an insider’s well-reasoned viewpoint. I especially appreciated that the author narrated. I’ve seen/heard Mr. Rhodes often so having someone else narrate his first book on audible was disappointing. Not one presents a book like the author! I recommend this engrossing story of interviews with people trying to do the “right thing” for their countries by shining a light on corruption.

Ben's insights give cause for serious reflection

It's always a hard thing to be self-reflective. There are always things that, with the benefit of hindsight, we would have done differently in life. This is no different for the U.S. as a country. Ben's book comes at this hard reality directly. While one may or may not agree with Ben's politics, I think it is hard to contradict some of his conclusions about how some actions of America have not had the positive results that were intended. Ultimately, his story ends with an promising eye to the future, with the promise of what America should be still being the world's greatest hope for global prosperity. This is a worthwhile read or listen.

An important book

In beautiful prose Ben has written a very important book that is illuminating, sad and powerful. Like the author, I’ve been left shaken by not only the Trump administration, but the alarming trend around the world toward nationalism and authoritarianism. I so appreciate his exploration of this dark path by way of talking to freedom activists in Hungary, Russian and Hong Kong. That technique is a very effective way to highlight the problem and to show how the United States contributed to the rise through pursuing the invasion of Iraq and causing the 2008 financial crisis.
Ben mirrors my own feelings of anger and sadness about where we find ourselves, and he’s clearheaded that those of us who want our country to remain a democratic one are going to have to work hard to save it. This book really impacted me and I truly appreciate Ben putting his thoughts in print.

Well Worth the Read

If you listen to “Pod Save the World” or “Missing America” podcasts, you’ll have seen much of the content before, but the long-form narrative gives this book a reasoned and reasonable heft to balance the global issues he covers.

Engrossing storytelling and hope in dark times

I love the way this book was constructed, weaving through personal and profound stories from around the globe to link events in recognizable patterns and then framing a possible way out of morass Americans created and are stewing in now.

Get the hardcopy

After listening to "The World as It Is" immediately pre-ordered this as soon as it was available. I found the listening experience frustrating, between the awkward cadence and phrasing, to the forced accents, It was irritating. I don't remember Bens first book being this way. At least give the preview a listen before buying the audiobook.

Excellent

There is so much we don’t know yet feel like we are racing away from Democracy while being manipulated, and managed from many sources for decades. This book helps one to re-ask our selves many basic questions as well gives insights to our recent past and present.

audio cobtent junkie

Usually I stick to podcasts, but the resounding appreciation I heard concerning After The Fall compelled me to buy it on digital media, and after 3 quickly consumed chapters which I thoroughly enjoyed I joined Audible and jumped right in.

Ben narrates very well -- like it's all he's ever done. His annunciations are clear and both his tenor and voice carry the words gently in, and though I wont double-down right now having just completed it... I enjoyed it well enough and learned so much that I'll surely be returning later for recaps, etc.

Important read, but not my fav

I really like Ben in Pod Save the World, but his reading was pretty dry and mechanical. this made it hard to focus in sections. He is a very thoughtful writer and the topic is very important. I wish I had gotten a hard copy because I think it would have made it easier for me to absorb is writing and the content.

thought-provoking - a must-read!

I loved it - perhaps more timely than the even author intended! It felt like a fireside chat and I learned a ton. Was sad when it was over...highly recommend.