H.R. McMaster on Why the Trump Administration Was “At War with Ourselves” | Uncommon Knowledge | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution

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Sep 3, 2024

H.R. McMaster, a retired Army lieutenant general and former national security advisor, reflects on his tumultuous time in the Trump administration. He discusses the internal conflicts and differing agendas within the White House, emphasizing the challenges of candid communication with the president. McMaster shares insights from his experiences, including how Stoic philosophy influenced his decision-making. He also contrasts Trump’s leadership style with historical figures and addresses the importance of rebuilding trust in American institutions amidst political turmoil.

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ANECDOTE

Trump misses McMaster

A few months after H.R. McMaster left, Trump called and said he missed him.
McMaster replied that he would serve again, but they both knew it was impossible.

INSIGHT

Strained Relationship

McMaster's truthful advice and protection of Trump's judgment alienated some.
Their relationship suffered due to others manipulating decisions for personal agendas.

INSIGHT

The NSA's Importance

The National Security Advisor's role is crucial in an age of complex threats.
Americans should understand this role and the NSC's function in integrating national power.

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Dereliction of Duty

Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to Vietnam

H. R. McMaster

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.

Battlegrounds

The Fight to Defend the Free World

H. R. McMaster

In 'Battlegrounds', H.R. McMaster identifies six significant arenas where the United States must compete: Russia, China, South Asia, the Middle East, Iran, and North Korea. He provides a historical diagnosis of the threats posed by each and proposes a framework for competition. McMaster argues that the U.S. has lost ground globally since the end of the Cold War due to a failure to understand adversaries' motives and interests. The book emphasizes the need for 'strategic empathy' and a clear-eyed approach to national security, critiquing past administrations for their naivety and advocating for a more resolute and coherent foreign policy strategy.

At War with Ourselves

Why America Is Squandering Its Chance to Build a Better World

Michael Hirsh

In this book, Michael Hirsh argues that America, as the world's 'Uberpower,' has a unique opportunity to perpetuate indefinitely the global system it has built and create an international community with American power at its center. Using vignettes and reporting from his coverage of the first two post-Cold War presidents, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Hirsh highlights the risks and responsibilities of being the sole superpower. He emphasizes the need for America to engage with international organizations, particularly the United Nations, to effectively address global challenges and maintain stability. The book also discusses the vulnerabilities of Americans as individuals and the necessity of international cooperation to address these vulnerabilities.