Rise of the Vulcans: The History of Bush's War Cabinet - Hardcover

Mann, Jim

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0670032999 ISBN 13: 9780670032990

Publisher: Viking Pr, 1900

Synopsis

The author presents a fascinating inside look at the advisors who have brought America to war twice in the last two years, covering Rumsfeld, Cheney, Powell, Armitage, Rice, Wolfowitz, and of course, President Bush. 50,000 first printing.

About this title

Review:

The Rise of the Vulcans explores the power behind the George W Bush throne. While campaigning for president in 2000, Bush downplayed his lack of foreign-policy experience by emphasising that he would surround himself with a highly talented and experienced group of political veterans. This core group, consisting of Donald Rumsfeld, Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Armitage and Condoleezza Rice, has a long history together dating back 30 years in some cases. Dubbing themselves the Vulcans, they have largely determined the direction and focus of the Bush presidency. In this remarkably researched and fascinating book, Mann traces their careers and the development of their ideas in order to understand how and why American foreign policy got to where it is today.

As Mann makes clear, there has never been perfect agreement between all parties (the relationship between the close duo of Powell and Armitage on one side and Rumsfeld on the other, for instance, has been frosty), but they do share basic values. Whether they came from the armed services, academia or government bureaucracy, the Vulcans all viewed the Pentagon as the principal institution from which American power should emanate. Their developing philosophy was cemented after the attacks of September 11, 2001 and is best reflected in the decision to invade Iraq. They believe that a powerful military is essential to American interests; that America is ultimately a force for good despite any negative consequences that may arise from American aggression; they are eternally optimistic about American power and dismiss any arguments about over-extension of resources; and they are sceptical about the need to consult allies or form broad global coalitions before acting.

Rise of the Vulcans succeeds on many levels. Mann presents broad themes such as the gradual transition from the Nixon and Kissinger philosophies to the doctrine espoused by Rumsfeld, Cheney, and the rest in clear and logical terms. He also offers minute details and anecdotes about each of the individuals, and the complex relationships between them, that reveal the true personalities behind the politicians. This is essential reading for those seeking to understand the past quarter century and what it means for America's future. --Shawn Carkonen, Amazon.com

Review:

"Lucid, shrewd and after so many high decibel screeds from both the right and the left, blessedly level headed. It is necessary reading for anyone interested in understanding how and why America came to deal with the rest of the world the way it is doing under the Bush administration." --The New York Times

"Mr. Mann has pulled back the curtain to expose three decades of political hardball, played to advance theories of the world that are, at best, incorrect. Read it and weep." --New York Observer

"At a time when political reporting seems intent on shrinking every story about foreign affairs into a battle of hawks and doves, Rise of the Vulcans is a much needed antidote: a work of serious intellectual history and a nuanced analysis of the debates that will continue to shape American foreign policy long after the Vulcans themselves have left the stage." --The Wall Street Journal

"The most detailed and comprehensive account of the Bush foreign policy team to date." --Los Angeles Times Book Review

About this edition

• Publisher: Viking Pr
• Publication date: 1900
• ISBN 10: 0670032999
• ISBN 13: 9780670032990
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 400