Tradecraft > Books and Podcasts

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We read all the time—the news, cables, memos, etc—to keep up with events, understand our policy and do our job. However, we think that it is crucial to remember to read books and articles about diplomacy and about the world to remind ourselves to keep thinking and to keep learning. Listed below are recommended books and podcasts.

Kissinger On Kissinger is a book based on conversations with Kissinger that covers the range of issues—opening to China, negotiating w the Soviets, and Vietnam. It offers principles for negotiation and underscores the importance of strategic thinking. Kissinger encourages diplomats to ask what we are trying to achieve before making policy decisions and urges us not to let technical details and daily crises detract from a focus on desired outcomes and American interests. Great lessons for all of us and a good read! Review available here.

Call Sign Chaos, Jim Mattis emphasizes delegation, initiative, and flexible leadership. Mattis also exhorts his subordinates to constantly read and study history, something 25YA supports wholeheartedly. See below for a few maxims from the book that we think all apprentices would do well to follow. NYT review here—it is a real page turner and available from the Bunche Library (that is where this apprentice found and read the e-book!).

• “Listen, learn and help, then lead” George Washington

• Put time aside each day to think broadly and strategically

• Share information—ask yourself always—“What do I know? Who needs to know? Have I told them?”

Leaders, Stanley McCrystal helped inspire this project as the book provoked several apprentices to reflect on the most important elements crucial to good diplomatic leadership.

Diplomat Among Warriors, Robert Murphy gets bonus points for referring to his twenty year diplomatic apprenticeship twice in the early pages. Plus, a fascinating read about World War II in France and North Africa.

The Back Channel, Bill Burns is a must-read. It is inspiring, informative and should be made required reading for all. He writes (on p86) about the importance of good mentors. Extra points for that!

Podcasts

The General and The Ambassador Podcast offers a wonderful look at civ-mil cooperation through focused conversations hosted by 25YA supporter Ambassador Deborah McCarthy. Worth a listen!

American Diplomat Podcast offers a wide range of fascinating conversations with former Ambassadors and a peek behind the curtain at some critical diplomatic, historical moments.

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