Summary
At War with Ourselves by H.R. McMaster reflects on his tenure as National Security Advisor under President Trump. The book explores the instability and internal conflicts within the Trump administration. McMaster analyzes key shifts in US foreign policy through his experiences as both a soldier and historian. He underscores the importance of leadership skills and integrity, considering the 2024 presidential election. The book provides a comparative evaluation of Trump's presidency alongside those of Obama and Biden, offering perspectives on current political dynamics.
Overview
In At War with Ourselves, H.R. McMaster presents an account of his role as National Security Advisor under President Donald Trump, beginning with his appointment in February 2017. He entered a White House marked by intense internal discord. McMaster was responsible for guiding US foreign policy amid unpredictable leadership from a president who favored instinct over established advice. During his 13-month tenure, McMaster managed challenges posed by advisors with conflicting agendas.
The book describes the power struggles within the administration. McMaster details his interactions with Steve Bannon, Trump's Chief Strategist, whose nationalist views often clashed with McMaster's preference for alliance-based strategies. McMaster aimed to provide strategic options to the president, while Bannon sought to influence policy through a confrontational approach.
McMaster sought to implement rigorous national security measures, such as a strategy for Afghanistan. His efforts often faced obstacles due to political considerations and Trump's reluctance for long-term commitments. McMaster portrays Trump as a leader capable of impactful decisions but often hindered by external influences and personal impulses. His tenure reflects a broader theme of internal discord, depicted as a "war within" marked by incoherence and ongoing conflict.
Key figures
Donald Trump: At War with Ourselves describes the president's unpredictable nature and preference for public approval over detailed analysis. As McMaster observed, Trump often prioritized instinct over informed judgment, making it challenging to provide him with objective advice.
Steve Bannon: McMaster identifies Bannon as a proponent of a nationalist agenda that conflicted with McMaster's strategic views. Bannon's influence contributed to internal divisions and ideological disputes within the administration.
Jim Mattis and Rex Tillerson: McMaster worked with Mattis and Tillerson to impose order amid administrative disorder. They aimed to counter Trump's skepticism of organizations like NATO. This reflects their dedication to strategic alliances.
John Kelly: As Chief of Staff, Kelly's attempts to discipline the administration aligned with McMaster's efforts. Their military backgrounds facilitated cooperation in managing the complex landscape of interests and loyalties in the White House.
Topics
Leadership challenges
H.R. McMaster's tenure as National Security Advisor under the Trump administration involved navigating complex challenges in national security policy. The internal strife within the White House often influenced decision-making. In At War with Ourselves, McMaster describes the task of providing President Trump with thorough options amid differing agendas.
McMaster focused on protecting the President's judgment, countering political advisors attempting to sway policy for personal gain. He provided direct, comprehensive analysis while managing team dynamics centered on individual interests. To prioritize US national security, McMaster relied on his military and historical knowledge, aiming to maintain a cohesive strategy despite political fragmentation.
Critical decisions on Afghanistan
As National Security Advisor, H.R. McMaster made key decisions on Afghanistan, crucial to U.S. foreign policy. In August 2017, he advocated for a continued commitment to the region, seeking to depart from previous strategies. This plan addressed Afghanistan and South Asia broadly. Yet, President Trump later dropped this strategy, choosing a timeline-based withdrawal and excluding the Afghan government from Taliban peace talks. McMaster stated these changes led to difficulties faced by the next administration. His views highlight the complexities of military planning and the unpredictable course of political strategy during the Trump era.
Trump's leadership style
In At War with Ourselves, H.R. McMaster critiques Donald Trump's leadership during his presidency. McMaster examines how Trump's character affected administrative operations and policy implementation. Trump's impulsiveness and limited understanding of government processes often hindered effective decision-making. According to McMaster, Trump relied on validation from a close circle, favoring instinctual over analytical approaches. While this sometimes produced positive results, McMaster notes that outcomes were often unfavorable.
McMaster questions Trump's affinity for authoritarian figures like Vladimir Putin, particularly after incidents like the Skripal poisoning. This reflected a preference for adversaries over allies. Additionally, McMaster states that Trump's demand for loyalty and praise from advisors stifled collaboration, crucial for developing sound policies. McMaster depicts the Trump administration as chaotic and challenging, focusing on the complex interaction between leadership and governance.
Quick facts
At War with Ourselves was an instant New York Times bestseller upon its release in August 2024.
H.R. McMaster served as Trump's National Security Adviser for 13 months, beginning with his appointment in February 2017.
At War with Ourselves provides candid insights into Trump's presidency during his first term, including his interactions with foreign leaders.
McMaster emphasizes the importance of ethics and leadership during times of crisis, influenced by his military background.
The book’s title comes from a comment about internal conflicts within the Trump White House made by an adviser to McMaster.
Key figures discussed include Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, John Kelly, and Jim Mattis, highlighting political dynamics within the administration.
McMaster describes internal competition, infighting, and sycophancy within Trump's inner circle.
McMaster aimed to provide Trump with multiple policy options to enhance independent decision-making.
At War with Ourselves offers a critical comparison of Trump's administration with Obama’s and Biden’s presidencies.
McMaster recounts disagreements with Trump on issues like NATO, alliances, and strategies regarding authoritarian leaders and Afghanistan.
The audiobook is narrated by H. R. McMaster himself, giving it a personal and authentic insight.
About the author
H.R. McMaster served in the US Army for 34 years, reaching the rank of lieutenant general. He was the 25th National Security Advisor to President Trump from 2017 to 2018. His military career included deployments in the Gulf War and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. McMaster earned a PhD in military history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has written several works on military and strategic affairs, including Dereliction of Duty (1997), exposing the lies that led to the Vietnam War, and At War with Ourselves (2024), sharing his insider’s view of the Trump presidency. He is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.
