Exercise of Power

American Failures, Successes, and a New Path Forward in the Post-Cold War World

By: Robert M. Gates

Narrated by: George Newbern

From the former secretary of defense and author of the acclaimed #1 bestselling memoir, Duty, a candid, sweeping examination of power, and how it has been exercised, for good and bad, by American presidents in the post-Cold War world.

Since the end of the Cold War, the global perception of the United States has progressively morphed from dominant international leader to disorganized entity. Robert Gates argues that this transformation is the result of the failure of political leaders to understand the complexity of American power, its expansiveness and its limitations. He makes clear that the successful exercise of power is not limited to the ability to coerce or demand submission, but must also encompass diplomacy, strategic communications, development assistance, intelligence, technology, and ideology. With forthright judgments of the performance of past presidents and their senior-most advisers, insightful ­firsthand knowledge, and compelling insider stories, Gates’s candid, sweeping examination of power in all its manifestations argues that U.S. national security in the future will require abiding by the lessons of the past, reimagining our approach, and revitalizing nonmilitary instruments of power essential to success and security.

All Encompassing

Anyone interested in foreign affairs will benefit from Bob Gates explanations & the many types of national power. Few realize the many types. Agricultural, Informational, Technical, financial, etc. And our over use of military power. Which in reality should always be the last used when Exercise of National power is needed. Highly Informative.

American Priorities

Every American should read this book in these divisive times. Sec. Gates explains why we have to set our political preferences aside to gain the world view of our shared priorities and interests. His breakdown of the variety of "Instruments of Power" are a must-know for all voters seeking to make educated decisions on our foreign policy. After reading this book, I stand more firmly as an Independent who will always try to vote in America's long term interest regardless of the party.

Inside look at US foreign policy the last 50 years

Mr. Gates walks us through his roughly 50 years of US policy. Both the good and bad and what could or should have been done different. This book has so much bearing for what we are seeing in the world today.

Money and time well spent

Gates has the receipts, and his assessments and accounts demonstrate it. If your objective is to be a well-informed and thoughtful citizen this is one of the books you want on your shelf. This is a must have history, perspective, and analysis.

And the performance (not incidentally) is probably the best I’ve heard - makes it easy to keep listening.

Wore many hats

Gates is arguably the smartest and most fascinating person in government over the last sixty years.