War in a Time of Peace

Bush, Clinton, and the Generals

By: David Halberstam

Narrated by: James Naughton

Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

In this long-awaited successor to his #1 best seller The Best and the Brightest, David Halberstam describes in fascinating human detail how the shadow of Cold War Vietnam still hangs over American foreign policy, and how domestic politics have determined our role as a world power.

Halberstam brilliantly evokes the internecine conflicts, the untrammeled egos, and the struggles for dominance among the key figures in the White House, the State Department, and the military. He shows how the Vietnam War has shaped American politics and policy makers. Perhaps most notable is what happened under Clinton when, for the first time in 50 years, a president placed domestic issues over foreign policy.

With his uncanny ability to find the real story behind the headlines, Halberstam shows how current events in the Balkans and Somalia act as a fascinating mirror to American politics and foreign policy. Sweeping in scope and impressive in its depth, War in a Time of Peace provides fascinating portraits of Clinton, Bush, Reagan, Kissinger, James Baker, Dick Cheney, Madeleine Albright, and others to reveal a stunning view of modern political America.

©2001 The Amateurs, Inc (P)2001 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A sprawling tapestry of exquisite bottom-up reporting and powerful vignettes...by one of the most astute writers in the trade." (The New York Times)

Enjoyable

This book book was a fun listen. The only problem was that it crammed so much info into 5.5 hrs. I didnt go into the book thinking that I was going to get an in-depth break down of the Bosnia/Kosovo conflicts. The book is a vast overview of politics and world wide affiars covering a ten year window. The point of "Clinton's pretty young wife" was used to contrast the Clinton's youth to the Bush's age. Comparing a young blonde Hillary and Tipper to an elder gray Barbra. The point made about Gingrich's "right wing religious fundamentalists" is true as well. That is his legacy in the Republican party. That issue is addressed because he used those issues to cut Clinton's political power and limit his effectiveness at home and overseas. If you enjoy modern history and politics you will enjoy this book.

A great abridgement of a very good book

This is a great listen. It's not particularly pro Clinton. One thing missing in Clinton's reluctance to act in the Balkans is its effect on our relationship with Russia. Russia has always had a very personal relationship with Serbia. Clinton was very much aware of this and he probably didn't want to damage that relationship. Otherwise an excellent book with great insights on the decision making process in government. Great insights also into what has happened to the media and why. I would caution on rush to judgements on Clinton's foreign policy decisions. Nothing about the Balkans has ever been easy to understand or act upon especially in crisis. A President has to make those decisions at the heat of the moment choosing amongst alternatives none of which may be attractive. I think the book would have benefited in a little wider and more generous perspective in that regard. That being said it's still a great book and an enjoyable one.

War in a Time of Peace

This book was very hard to take for anyone that didn't vote for Clinton - twice. If you want to find out what went on in Bosnia/Kosovo find another book. Halberstam wastes my attention with too little insight into the Balkans and too much so-called insight into the Clinton administration; I don't need to hear about "Clinton's pretty young wife", or about Newt Gingrich's support by "right wing regilious fundamentalists" to understand the history of the Balkans and the conflict there in the 1990's.