316: High Stakes Push-Back and Accountability. W/ Stuart Scheller

Set in the closing months of World War II, 'Catch-22' is a satirical novel that follows the story of Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier stationed on the island of Pianosa off the coast of Italy. The novel explores the absurdity and inhumanity of warfare through Yossarian's attempts to escape his flying duties, thwarted by the bureaucratic rule known as 'Catch-22'. This rule creates a paradox where a man is considered insane if he willingly continues to fly dangerous missions, but if he requests to be relieved of duty, he is proven sane and thus ineligible for relief. The novel is known for its nonchronological structure, circular reasoning, and its critique of military bureaucracy and the illogical nature of war.

Carl von Clausewitz's "On War" is a seminal work on military strategy, exploring the complex interplay of military, political, and social factors in warfare. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of war as a dynamic and unpredictable phenomenon. The book delves into various aspects of military strategy, including the role of chance, the importance of morale, and the relationship between war and politics. Its enduring influence is evident in its continued relevance to military studies, international relations, and strategic thinking. It remains a cornerstone of military theory.

In 'Dereliction of Duty', H.R. McMaster provides a thorough and well-researched account of how and why the United States became involved in the Vietnam War. The book is based on transcripts and personal accounts of crucial meetings and decisions, and it critiques the decision-making processes of the Kennedy and Johnson administrations. McMaster argues that the war was lost due to the failures and deceptions of political and military leaders, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who he believes were derelict in their duty to advise the president honestly. The book is a compelling narrative that highlights the hubris, deception, and compromise among the political and military echelons during that period.

In 'Fixing Failed States: A Framework for Rebuilding a Fractured World', Ashraf Ghani and Clare Lockhart address the global issue of failed states, which are home to over a billion people and are sources of major global problems like terrorism and poverty. The authors propose a novel approach to state-building, emphasizing the need for collaboration among the international community, national leaders, and citizens to achieve political and economic stability. They draw on their experiences in countries such as Afghanistan and Nepal to illustrate their strategies.

About Face is a compelling memoir by Colonel David Hackworth, detailing his experiences in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Hackworth's candid account offers a critical perspective on military leadership and policy, highlighting the challenges faced by soldiers on the ground. The book is known for its unflinching portrayal of combat and its insightful analysis of military strategy and politics. It also provides a personal reflection on the psychological toll of war and the importance of soldier welfare. Hackworth's writing style is direct and engaging, making the book accessible to a wide audience.

In this book, Henry Kissinger provides a sweeping history of diplomacy, focusing on the 20th century and the Western World. He discusses the concepts of balance of power, Realpolitik, and the differences in national styles of diplomacy. Kissinger draws from his own experiences as a key figure in U.S. foreign policy, including his negotiations with leaders such as de Gaulle, Nixon, Chou En-lai, Mao Tse-tung, Reagan, and Gorbachev. The book critiques various diplomatic approaches, including collective security and self-determination, and argues for a return to European-style realpolitik in U.S. foreign policy after the Cold War.