HR McMaster on His Time as NSA, China, and History's Role in Policymaking

In 'Black Wave', John and Jean Silverwood recount their family's journey aboard their catamaran, the Emerald Jane. The book delves into the family dynamics, the struggles with nature, and the personal battles, particularly John's fight with alcoholism. The narrative is split between Jean's and John's perspectives, with Jean focusing on the emotional and familial aspects, and John providing a historical and nautical context. The story culminates in a dramatic accident where the boat runs aground on coral, leading to a life-threatening ordeal for the family.

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.

In 'Putin’s People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took on the West', Catherine Belton provides a comprehensive and chilling account of Vladimir Putin’s rise to power. The book reveals how Putin, along with a small group of KGB men, seized control of Russia, looted the country, and built a new league of loyal oligarchs. Belton’s research, based on exclusive interviews with key insiders, exposes the intricate network involving politicians, organized crime, and sympathetic journalists that helped Putin consolidate his power. The book also details how Putin’s regime subverted Russia’s economy and legal system, suppressed independent voices, and launched covert influence operations abroad, extending their reach into Western markets and institutions.

In 'A History of Warfare', John Keegan explores the development and cultural influences of warfare across different eras, challenging traditional views like those of Clausewitz. He examines the role of technology, logistics, and societal factors in shaping military strategies and outcomes. The book provides a broad perspective on how warfare has evolved over time, emphasizing its cultural and irrational aspects.

In 'The China Nightmare: The Grand Ambitions of a Decaying State', Dan Blumenthal examines China's strategic objectives and internal weaknesses, highlighting the paradox of a power that is both assertive and fragile. The book explores how China's ambitions pose a significant threat to the U.S. and its allies, despite its underlying vulnerabilities.

In *Military Orientalism*, Patrick Porter challenges the notion that culture dictates military strategy, arguing that cultural perceptions are complex and often misleading. He explores how Western views of Eastern warfare have influenced military thought and strategy, particularly in the context of the 'War on Terror'. Porter emphasizes the dangers of fetishizing the exotic and highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of strategic cultures.