The latter refers to better understanding adversaries. Soon after entering the West Wing, he explained to the national security staff that the approach to foreign policy and national security would evolve from strategic narcissism (referenced over fifty times-clearly, he was concerned with the US approach to world affairs) to strategic empathy. “As we enter the new millennium, we are blessed to be citizens of a country enjoying record prosperity, with no deep divisions at home, no overriding external threats abroad, and history’s most powerful military.” Later, he describes strategic narcissism with roots in the American revolution, but here as it applies to our approach to China-a narcissism based on wishful thinking, rather than being steeped in reality. He quotes from the 2000 national security strategy documents to describe the United States strategic narcissism tendencies. From there, he paints a picture of post-Cold War hubris that includes successes during the 1991 Persian Gulf War and other military engagements during the 90s. It is refreshing to walk alongside General McMaster as he describes his whirlwind selection-from being plucked as the director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center to being placed as the NSA in February of 2017. This is no Trump “tell-all” book, but rather a reflective piece focused on his role in shaping national security policy, while refraining from partisanship. He sets expectations up front for the reader. In Battlegrounds, he explores the country’s most recent challenges and discusses his leadership, management, and decision-making style. His thorough knowledge of events like the Vietnam War and his appreciation of historical context shaped his tenure as the National Security Advisor. In it, he criticizes America’s failed strategy and leadership regarding the Vietnam War. He is well known for his first book, Dereliction of Duty: Johnson, McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies that Led to Vietnam. General McMaster is a scholar, soldier, and strategist. McMaster’s passion for service, particularly during his time as the twenty-sixth National Security Advisor is evident. When discussing national security and his recently published book, Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World, General H. Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World by H.R.
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