Diplomati

This edited book is a compendium of research work on France's contentious and sometimes complicated African policy. It attempts to assess France's policy issues that may have contributed or influenced the consistent economic, political, social and security crises in former French colonies on the African continent. The book highlights how the Franco-African foreign and security policies, especially in the post-colonial era, perpetuate the colonial policies of assimilation, association and integration. In the pursuit of these policies, the chapters in the book highlight instances of domination, continuity and change in France's economic, cultural and political grip on Francophone African countries. The book provides a good historical perspective of France's Africa policy and critical insight into the political, economic, security, cultural and social problems generated by the nature of France-Africa relations. The book provides useful insight into the nature of France-Africa relations, drawing on a good mix of sub-regional perspectives and country case studies. It present the issues discussed with accuracy, using relevant source materials.

The book establishes a linkage between perceptions and foreign policy by exploring, how Chinäs behavior towards Japan is driven by mental shortcuts. The study is focused on the aspect of historical memories and how it factors in Chinäs Japan Policy. It explores the linkage between perceptions born from the past, their interpretations in the present and thereby, the shaping of policy behavior of China towards Japan. The author delves beyond the realist and liberal interpretations of international politics, which assume that states¿ interests and material capabilities are a ¿given¿ in the international system- thus, offering a conceptual understanding of Sino-Japanese relations in the twenty-first century.

"Navigating the Caspian Sea" offers an illuminating journey into the geopolitics, economics, and history of one of the world's most significant, yet often overlooked, inland bodies of water. As the largest enclosed inland body of water by area, the Caspian Sea has long served as a nexus of both cooperation and contention among the littoral states that border it.Key elements explored in the book include:Historical Overview: An examination of the Caspian's role as a critical trade route and strategic prize from ancient to modern times.Energy Riches: Insight into the vast reserves of oil and natural gas beneath the seabed, and how these resources have shaped the economic and political objectives of bordering nations.Geopolitical Implications: Analysis of the sea's strategic location, serving as a bridge between Europe and Asia and as a hotspot for regional power plays, especially concerning Russia, Iran, and the Central Asian republics.Legal Status and Disputes: A thorough exploration of the longstanding debates surrounding whether the Caspian is a sea or a lake, and the implications of this designation for territorial claims, resource extraction, and environmental protection.Environmental Concerns: Addressing the pressing issues of pollution, overfishing, and ecological degradation that threaten the health of the Caspian and its surrounding ecosystems.Regional Cooperation and Tensions: A dive into the delicate balance of national interests, from military posturing to economic partnerships, highlighting the complexities of multilateral collaboration.Future Prospects: Projections about the evolving role of the Caspian in global energy markets, geopolitical dynamics, and sustainable development efforts.By weaving together the multifaceted narratives of history, economics, politics, and environmental science, "Navigating the Caspian Sea" provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal region. It's an essential read for diplomats, scholars, energy industry professionals, and anyone keen on grasping the intricacies of a sea that continues to shape the destinies of adjacent nations and beyond.

Global Economic Governance" offers an in-depth exploration into the world's leading intergovernmental economic forums - the G-7, G-8, and G-20. These entities, consisting of the world's major advanced and emerging economies, play a crucial role in international economic policy coordination, ensuring that the global economy functions smoothly and fairly in an era of increasing interconnectivity.Key chapters and themes of the book include:Historical Overview: Charting the inception and evolution of these groups, tracing their origins from informal meetings to pivotal global economic forums.Members and Mandates: An analysis of the membership criteria of each forum, and an exploration of their respective missions and objectives.Economic Policymaking: Insight into the process of how these groups develop economic policies, from discussions to declarations.Crisis Management: A deep dive into how these forums have responded to global economic crises, from the oil shocks of the 1970s to the financial meltdown of 2008.Beyond Economics: Exploration of the growing remits of these groups, touching on issues beyond traditional economic governance, such as climate change and global health.Critiques and Controversies: A balanced examination of criticisms levelled against these forums, from concerns over representation to their effectiveness in policy implementation.The Future of Global Economic Governance: Speculation on the evolving role of the G-7, G-8, and G-20 in a rapidly changing global economic landscape, considering factors like emerging economies, digital currencies, and shifting geopolitical dynamics."Global Economic Governance" offers readers a panoramic view of the inner workings, achievements, and challenges of these critical international economic entities. Through detailed analysis, expert testimonies, and case studies, the book demystifies the complex realm of global economic policymaking, making it a must-read for policymakers, economists, students, and anyone interested in the future of global economics.

"Navigating the Challenges" offers a compelling exploration of the unique predicaments faced by landlocked countries worldwide. Devoid of direct coastal access, these nations grapple with a distinct set of economic, political, and logistical challenges that shape their developmental trajectories and diplomatic approaches. This comprehensive guide delves deep into the intricacies of these challenges, providing insights into how these countries adapt, innovate, and navigate in an interconnected global landscape.Highlighted sections of the book include:Geographical Handicaps: An overview of the inherent disadvantages faced by landlocked countries, ranging from trade barriers to limited maritime resources.Economic Implications: Detailed analysis of the economic constraints and opportunities, focusing on topics like trade tariffs, transit routes, and import-export dynamics.Political Dynamics: Exploration of the geopolitical complexities, strategic partnerships, and diplomatic ties essential for these nations to secure their interests.Innovative Solutions: Highlighting pioneering strategies adopted by various landlocked nations to mitigate their limitations, from digital economies to specialized trade agreements.Environmental Considerations: Discussion on unique environmental challenges, including reliance on neighboring countries for water resources and the impacts of climate change.Case Studies: In-depth examinations of specific landlocked countries, detailing their historical backgrounds, present-day challenges, and forward-looking strategies.The Future Landscape: Speculative insights into what the future holds for landlocked nations, considering global economic shifts, technological innovations, and changing geopolitical landscapes.Through rigorous research and expert analysis, "Navigating the Challenges" illuminates the resilience and adaptability of landlocked countries. Their stories underscore the importance of innovation, diplomacy, and strategic alliances in overcoming geographical limitations. The book stands as an invaluable resource for students of geopolitics, policymakers, economists, and anyone keen on understanding the multifaceted dynamics of our interconnected world.

"The Cold War's Turning Points" offers a riveting exploration of two of the most critical events during the Kennedy presidency: the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. These consecutive events, spanning a tumultuous year and a half, would come to define the trajectory of the Cold War, test the resolve of the Kennedy administration, and reshape global geopolitics.Key aspects addressed in the book include:Prelude to Invasion: A deep dive into the antecedents of the Bay of Pigs operation, the motivations behind it, and the complexities of the U.S.-Cuba relationship leading up to the invasion.Operational Oversight: A meticulous examination of the Bay of Pigs invasion, from its conception to its tragic execution, and the role of Kennedy's decision-making in its outcome.Shadow of Failure: Analyzing the aftermath of the Bay of Pigs and its influence on U.S. domestic politics and the broader Cold War landscape.The Missile Crisis Unfolds: A day-by-day account of the 13 days in October 1962 when the world stood on the brink of nuclear war, detailing the high-stakes diplomatic and military maneuvering.Kennedy's Calculus: Delving into the decision-making processes within the White House, considering the advisors, intelligence, and personal reflections that influenced Kennedy's choices.Beyond the Brink: Reflecting on the resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the establishment of the "hotline" between Washington and Moscow, and the beginning of détente.Legacy and Lessons: A contemplation on the long-term consequences of these events, their lessons for global diplomacy, and their enduring significance in the annals of history.With a rich tapestry of expert analyses, "The Cold War's Turning Points" offers readers a front-row seat to the inner workings of the Kennedy administration during its most challenging moments. The book captures the period's tension, uncertainty, and gravity, providing a comprehensive understanding of how close the world came to catastrophic conflict and how leadership choices in moments of crisis can shape history.

In "Unveiling the Weaknesses," the author takes a critical lens to the World Health Organization's (WHO) handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, shedding light on the challenges, missteps, and complexities of managing a global health crisis in an age of information overload and geopolitical tension.Opening with a comprehensive overview of the WHO's mandate and historical precedents, the book sets the stage by contextualizing the organization's role in previous global health emergencies. The author meticulously maps the early days of the pandemic, from the first reports of a mysterious virus in Wuhan to the WHO's efforts to gather information amidst an evolving crisis.A central focus of the narrative is the WHO's navigation of its dual role: as a technical health agency responsible for providing evidence-based guidance, and as a diplomatic entity reliant on the cooperation and transparency of its member states. Dr. Grant explores the intricacies of these roles, particularly when faced with the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19.Through detailed analysis, the book pinpoints several areas of contention, including:Timeliness of Response: An examination of the timeline of the WHO's declarations and actions, and whether earlier interventions could have curtailed the virus's spread.Information Flow and Accuracy: A deep dive into the WHO's reliance on member states for data and the potential for misinformation or politically motivated delays.Global Leadership: A critique of the WHO's ability to rally global unity, resources, and coordination in the face of divergent national interests and approaches.Guidance and Recommendations: An analysis of the clarity, consistency, and adaptability of the WHO's guidance to countries, particularly in areas like mask-wearing, travel restrictions, and lockdowns.The author also illuminates the external challenges that exacerbated the WHO's operational struggles, from the infodemic of misinformation on social media to political leaders openly undermining the organization's credibility.However, "Unveiling the Weaknesses" is not solely a critique. The author also balances his analysis by highlighting the WHO's successes and its pivotal role in facilitating research collaborations, resource mobilization, and vaccine development.In the concluding chapters, the book delves into the implications of the WHO's response for future global health crises. What lessons can be drawn from the COVID-19 pandemic? How can the WHO be reformed or strengthened to better tackle the inevitable health challenges of the 21st century?Meticulously researched and compellingly written, "Unveiling the Weaknesses" offers a nuanced perspective on one of the central global actors in the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a must-read for policymakers, health professionals, and anyone keen on understanding the intricacies of international health governance in crisis situations.

This publication includes the contributions of three symposia organized by Don Juan Archiv Wien in Istanbul and Vienna from 2013 to2015: "Culture of Politics or Cultural Politics: Ambassadors as Cultural Actors in Ottoman-European Relations" (Istanbul 2013), "Culture ofPolitics or Cultural Politics - Act Two: Representation, Theatricality and Cultural Transfer in Ottoman-European Diplomatic Relations" (Vienna 2014) and "Culture, Diplomacy and Peacemaking: Ottoman-European Relations in the Wake of the Treaty of Belgrade (1739) and the Era of Maria Theresia" (Istanbul 2015). The series "Diplomatica" will also include 'Interludia' - historical texts of diplomatic reflections from the 15th to the 20th centuries - as intermezzi to the seven parts of this publication, which will be edited in two volumes.

"ARGO meets SPOTLIGHT, as journalist Craig Unger, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of AMERICAN KOMPROMAT and HOUSE OF BUSH, HOUSE OF SAUD, reveals his thirty-year investigation into the secret collusion between Ronald Reagan's 1980 presidential campaign and Iran, raising urgent questions about what happens when foreign meddling in our elections goes unpunished and what gets remembered when the political price for treason is victory. It was a tinderbox of an accusation. In April 1991, the NEW YORK TIMES ran an op-ed alleging that Ronald Reagan's 1980 presidential campaign had conspired with the Iranian government to delay the release of 52 American hostages until after the 1980 election. The Iranian hostage crisis was President Jimmy Carter's largest political vulnerability, and his lack of success freeing them ultimately sealed his fate at the ballot box. In return for keeping Americans in captivity until Reagan assumed the oath of office, the Republicans had secretly funneled arms to Iran. Treasonous and illegal, the operation-planned and executed by Reagan's campaign manager Bill Casey-amounted to a shadow foreign policy run by private citizens that ensured Reagan's victory. Investigative journalist Craig Unger was one of the first reporters covering the October Surprise-initially for ESQUIRE and then NEWSWEEK-and while attempting to unravel the mystery, he was fired, sued, and ostracized by the Washington press corps, as a counter narrative took hold: The October Surprise was a hoax. Though Unger later recovered his name and became a bestselling author on Republican abuses of power, the October Surprise remained his white whale, the project he-as well as legendary investigative journalist, the late Robert Parry-worked on late at night and between assignments. In DEN OF SPIES, Unger reveals the definitive story of the October Surprise, going inside his three-decade reporting odyssey, along with Parry's never-before-seen archives, and sharing startling truths about what really happened in 1980. The result is a real-life political thriller filled with double agents, CIA operatives, slippery politicians, KGB documents, wealthy Republicans, and dogged journalists. A timely and provocative history that presages our Trump-era political scandals, DEN OF SPIES demonstrates the stakes of allowing the politics of the moment to obscure the writing of our history"--

"Diplomatic Ties" offers an in-depth exploration of Mongolia's intricate and multifaceted relationships with its neighboring countries. Nestled between two global giants, Russia and China, Mongolia has historically navigated a complex geopolitical landscape, balancing its national interests with the often competing agendas of its larger neighbors. Beyond these two powers, Mongolia's interactions with other Asian nations provide further layers of intrigue and strategy.Key themes covered in the book include:Historical Legacy: Tracing Mongolia's storied past, from the vast Mongol Empire to its status as a buffer state during the Cold War.Russian Relations: An examination of the deep historical, cultural, and political ties with Russia, considering shared challenges, economic ventures, and the nuances of their strategic partnership.Engagement with China: A comprehensive look at Mongolia's relationship with China, marked by economic dependency, historical contentions, and mutual opportunities.Regional Diplomacy: Insights into Mongolia's interactions with other neighboring nations such as Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Japan, detailing diplomatic, trade, and cultural exchanges.Third Neighbor Policy: Delving into Mongolia's unique foreign policy strategy of forging ties beyond its immediate neighbors, especially with Western democracies and institutions.Economic Strategies: Analysis of Mongolia's trade dynamics, investment flows, and infrastructural projects, emphasizing its role as a mineral-rich nation in a resource-hungry region.Future Prospects: Speculative insights into the potential trajectory of Mongolia's foreign relations, given global geopolitical shifts, regional developments, and internal political dynamics."Diplomatic Ties: Mongolia and Its Neighbors" combines rigorous academic research with insightful anecdotes, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of Mongolia's foreign policy maneuvers. The book illuminates the intricate dance of diplomacy performed by a nation with a rich history, strategic location, and ambitious global aspirations. It's a must-read for geopolitics

"Boundaries of Discord" delves into the longstanding territorial disputes that have shaped global geopolitics and continue to influence contemporary international relations. Drawing from historical records, diplomatic correspondence, and firsthand accounts, the book offers an in-depth exploration of unresolved territorial conflicts that span continents and centuries.Key components of the book include:Historical Background: A comprehensive introduction to the genesis of territorial disputes, shedding light on the colonial, imperial, and regional dynamics that have given birth to contentious claims.Maps and Territories: A visual and descriptive representation of disputed regions, highlighting their strategic, economic, and cultural significance.Stakes and Interests: In-depth analyses of the nationalistic, economic, and geopolitical considerations that fuel these disputes and keep them alive in diplomatic corridors.Key Conflicts: Detailed case studies of some of the most persistent and volatile territorial disputes, including the South China Sea, Kashmir, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, among others.Diplomatic Endeavors: A chronicle of peace attempts, negotiations, and international interventions aimed at resolving these disputes, examining their successes and failures.Impacts and Implications: Insights into how these disputes influence bilateral relations, regional stability, global alliances, and international law.Path Forward: Speculative discussions on the potential future of these territorial disputes, considering emerging geopolitical trends, shifts in global power dynamics, and the evolving nature of international diplomacy."Boundaries of Discord" offers readers a panoramic view of the landscapes of contention that have defined, and continue to define, the world order. It is an essential read for students of geopolitics, history enthusiasts, diplomats, and anyone interested in understanding the deep-rooted historical grievances that continue to shape global diplomacy and conflict.

In this deeply researched and poignant account, "SOMALIA: A PAINFUL HISTORY OF STRUGGLE AND RESILIENCE" unveils the tumultuous history of a nation that has faced unimaginable challenges yet continues to endure. From its ancient roots as a nexus of trade and culture to its recent struggles with civil war, famine, and piracy, the book journeys through Somalia's rich tapestry of events, highlighting both its dark moments and undying spirit. With personal anecdotes, vivid historical accounts, and expert analyses, this volume offers an intimate look into the lives of the Somali people, their indomitable will to survive, and their aspirations for a brighter future. It is a tale of pain, but also one of hope, resilience, and the relentless quest for identity and unity in the face of adversity.

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of international higher education and soft power as cultural diplomacy, through a study of Morocco and South Korea. It draws on extensive original research to explore the social, political, and economic factors that have shaped the international standing of both countries in terms of higher education. The research reveals the importance of higher education in promoting soft power and the role of international universities in enhancing the international reputation of a country. The book's key findings demonstrate the impact of soft power as cultural diplomacy on international relations and the contribution it makes to research in the field of international higher education.

In "Middle Power Maneuvers," readers are taken on a riveting journey into the complex world of regional geopolitics, where nations that do not command the spotlight like superpowers do, exert significant influence in their own realms and beyond. These middle powers, often overshadowed in mainstream discourse, play pivotal roles in shaping the course of regional politics, economics, and security dynamics.The book delves deep into:Strategic Aspirations: How middle powers craft their foreign policies to punch above their weight, aspiring for leadership roles in their respective regions.Soft Power Diplomacy: Exploration of the sophisticated use of culture, media, and economic ties to further national interests without resorting to hard power tactics.Alliances and Rivalries: An analysis of the ever-shifting sands of regional alliances, where today's friend can be tomorrow's adversary.Proxy Engagements: Unmasking the often clandestine roles middle powers play in regional conflicts, be it through support to proxy forces, economic warfare, or information campaigns.Economic Competition: The race for regional economic dominance, access to resources, and the establishment of trade routes.Cultural and Historical Baggage: Understanding the deep-seated historical and cultural roots of many regional antagonisms.Case Studies: In-depth examinations of various middle powers across different continents, highlighting their unique approaches and challenges."Middle Power Maneuvers" challenges the conventional narrative of global power politics, arguing that to truly understand the global geopolitical landscape, one must look beyond just the major players. By delving into the ambitions, strategies, and rivalries of these influential regional actors, the book offers a more nuanced view of international relations in the 21st century.

This book of János Martonyi is a collection of essays and speeches addressing the reality gathering around us. It starts with a tribute devoted to International Law, European Law, and Hungarian Law. These three perspectives remain present in further texts as well, serving as outlook and angles of perception, while the focus is extending to history and culture. The author is shaping a true picture of the interplay of national and European identities on the fields (sometimes battlefields) of law, history, and culture.

In light of recent global trends and crises, including the hasty withdrawal of Western troops from Afghanistan and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, this book sheds new light on global power shifts in multiple areas of international relations between industrialized countries and emerging powers.This book argues that "e;the global age"e; is rapidly supplanting "e;the modern age"e;, and that modernity is paving the way for globality. The events that are taking place in the 21st century can no longer be effectively described, understood or explained by the concept of modernity which originated more than 500 years ago.Further, this book challenges the academic and societal tendency to view international power-related phenomena on the basis of a dichotomy between hard and soft power. It assumes that another power source, independent of hard and soft power, does exist. Invisible, structure-manipulating, and effectively leveraged, it is precisely this "e;third power"e; that drives and shapes power phenomena in the "e;global age"e; more intensively than either hard or soft power.This book seeks to verify its core hypotheses by applying them to a set of selected global phenomena, particularly from the domains of geopolitics (Belt & Road Initiative, Iran conflict, war in Afghanistan, and competition for a new world order) and technology (Global Navigation Satellite Systems, 5G infrastructure, race for international standards, and ICT rivalry). Rather than systematically examining each of these issues, it focuses on extracting theoretical meanings from these cases to demonstrate the logic of globality and structural power, partly from global-horizontal perspectives, partly through a structural-vertical lens.

British government pronouncements since Russia's 24 February 2022 invasion of Ukraine have been resolute yet self-congratulatory. The UK is leading the way among western allies in providing Ukraine with the support it needs. Putin's regime is globally isolated as never before. The Russian economy is crumbling under unprecedented sanctions. Let's stick with the plan. Our strategy is working! But is that really true? How engaged was the Conservative government in efforts to prevent conflict in Ukraine after tensions with Russia ramped up ten years ago? Have any of the seven Foreign Secretaries since 2014 altered Putin's calculus? Have western sanctions really worked? And does 'the best diplomatic service in the world' have the skills to understand and outsmart Russia? From seeing Putin in Northern Ireland in 2013, to living through the expulsion of British diplomats from Moscow in 2018, then authorising sanctions against Russia in 2022, Ian casts a sceptical eye over these questions. Ian Proud was a member of HM Diplomatic Service from 1999 to 2023. Ian organised the 2013 G8 Summit in Northern Ireland which marked Vladimir Putin's last visit to the UK. From July 2014 to February 2019 he was posted to the British Embassy in Moscow where he advised UK Ministers on sanctions against Russia. He was Chair of the Russia Crisis Committee, Director of the Diplomatic Academy for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Anglo-American School of Moscow. He speaks Russian and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.

This report evaluates the potential for further escalation in the war in Ukraine, including possible escalation to Russian nuclear use, to better inform U.S. and allied decisions and the public debate.

"Over the course of the nineteenth century, European states worked together to install a new order of collective security, legitimising the repression of piracy. Menacing Tides demonstrates how this European cooperation against shared threats remade the Mediterranean and unleashed a new form of collaborative imperialism"--

This book is about the importance of nuclear disarmament and the work pursued by Alva Myrdal, a pioneering social activist, diplomat, cabinet minister, and disarmament negotiator. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1982 together with Alfonso Garcia Robles "e;for their work for disarmament and nuclear and weapon-free zones"e;. Prominent academics, politicians and practitioners have contributed reflections on Myrdal's achievements and their impact on the world today. Furthermore, a sample of Myrdal's own writings on nuclear disarmament are included, as well as significant speeches and a bibliography of her publications on nuclear matters.Alva Myrdal was born in Uppsala, Sweden, in 1902, graduated from college in Stockholm in 1924, and continued higher education at Uppsala University in the 1930s. She was a prolific author and reformer, specializing in social affairs, women's roles and nuclear disarmament. She was Sweden's Ambassador to India in the 1950s, for Nuclear Disarmament in the 1960s and 1970s, and a member of the Cabinet 1967-1973. Her most well-known works are "e;The Game of Disarmament"e; (1976), "e;Nation and Family"e; (1941), and "e;Women's Two Roles"e; (1956, with Viola Klein). Her book "e;The Game of Disarmament"e; (1976) is a key work in disarmament.The Alva Myrdal Centre for Nuclear Disarmament was set up at Uppsala University in 2021 to contribute new ideas and concrete measures towards the elimination of nuclear weapons. Both editors are associated with the Centre, Professor Peter Wallensteen as a member of the board and leader of one of its working groups, and Dr. Armend Bekaj as a researcher.- This book is relevant for students of international relations and policy-makers on issues of peace and conflict.- It provides background documentation on the difficulties in achieving disarmament.- It illustrates the significant role women can play to infuse new ideas into a men's world.- It displays the importance of persistence, rationality, ingenuity and knowledge in furthering nuclear disarmament.- It shows that Alva Myrdal's efforts can be an inspiration for new generations.

The book is the result of a collective research work between the members of the team of the project "Over the Atlantic" (co-founded by the Erasmus + programme). A critical introduction presents the work, the content and the scope of the research, carried out with an interdisciplinary approach.This book consists of three main parts. The first discusses the institutionalization and normalization of paradiplomacy in some specific and well-documented case studies regarding the Latin America region. The second one refers to the relationship between paradiplomacy and cooperation in the context of international and regional relations. The third part analyses Cities and Parliaments as international diplomatic actors.The theme of Paradiplomacy, as a means of unofficial relationships that reacts differently to the pressure of the international system, and the role of the local authorities, despite its relevance and importance, is scarcely analysed by academia.

Scores of biographies have been written about Winston Churchill, yet none examine his frequent, sometimes furtive, trips to the White House, where he resided for weeks on end-the (often unclothed) visitor who "dropped out of the sky." These extended visits during his two terms as prime minister were spirited, even entertaining, occasions. Yet, in retrospect, they take on a new level of diplomatic significance, demonstrating just how influential a foreign leader can become in shaping American foreign policy. Drawing on years of research, Robert Schmuhl not only contextualises the days Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower spent together, but also vividly portrays the individual characters, from Churchill himself-a devoted fisherman who never stopped "angling"-to a resentful Eleanor Roosevelt. Evoking an era far different from today, Mr. Churchill in the White House becomes an insightful work for our own fractious times.

Prior to the events of February 2022, political interference was one of the most significant challenges in Russia-West relations. These proceedings reflect a series of discussions among U.S., Russian, and European Union nongovernmental experts who were convened in 2020-2021 to discuss mutual concerns regarding political interference and to find common ground on measures to address them. Even before February 2022, the European Union, the United States, and Russia had divergent interests, values, and worldviews, as well as significant mutual grievances. Despite these divergences and grievances, the assembled experts came to the view that all parties would have benefited from the establishment of mutually agreed-upon measures to mitigate the destabilizing impacts of political interference. In a text agreed on in January 2022, the expert group proposed the following measures: (1) increase transparency regarding interpretations of prohibited interference, (2) enhance dialogue on interference, (3) establish self-restraint commitments (regarding election-related infrastructure and hack-and-leak operations), (4) develop technical measures to demonstrate compliance with self-restraint commitments, (5) create guidelines to limit cross-border manipulation of social media, (6) relax restrictions on foreign broadcasters, and (7) formulate declarations of intent not to interfere.

The U.S. and Chinese militaries have been shaped by a distinct set of direct and indirect experiences. The U.S. military has focused its energy and resources on combating terrorism and performing counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even in 2023, U.S. emphasis on major power competition contends with other national security priorities, including current crises and continued deployments around the globe. The People's Liberation Army (PLA), on the other hand, has largely focused its military modernization and restructuring to prepare for a regional conflict that would likely involve U.S. military intervention. Despite having no combat experience since the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War, the PLA has conducted an in-depth study of all aspects of the U.S. military's technological and operational capabilities-including its organization, command and control, logistics, joint operations, and concepts of operation-since the 1990s. The dichotomy presented by the experiences of both militaries raises several questions about how they are preparing for the possibility of a major power conflict. Since 2001, the U.S. military has gained significant direct combat experience, but has done so against technologically inferior, nonpeer adversaries. In contrast, the PLA had no direct combat experience. Even though its concepts of operation are designed to fight a major power, these concepts are largely derived from indirect observations and lessons from U.S. operations since 1991. The ways that each side gains and processes experience and incorporates it into training will heavily affect readiness for and performance in a future war.