Rogue Diplomats

Reviews / Votes

'It turns out that the practice of American diplomats disobeying orders is not new to the Trump era. In this fast paced and stylish account, Seth Jacobs helps us to see that when diplomats went rogue at key moments from the American Revolution to the wars for Vietnam, the United States often emerged more secure than if Washington had fully called the shots.' Mark Philip Bradley, University of Chicago 'Is there a distinctive American way of diplomacy? In this hugely readable book, Seth Jacobs shows that there most certainly is, but perhaps not as we might assume. Unlike their counterparts from other countries, American diplomats, many of them amateurs, have a long history of disobedient freelancing. Jacobs shows why this is a peculiarly American tradition, and why it matters.' Andrew Preston, author of American Foreign Relations: A Very Short Introduction 'I don't think I have ever laughed so hard when reading a work about diplomacy. Rogue Diplomats is one of the most original, entertaining, and relevant books that I have read about American foreign policy. Seth Jacobs uncovers a recurring pattern of unqualified American diplomats disobeying elected leaders - from the American Revolution and the Mexican-American War to the Second World War and America's quagmire in Vietnam. Jacobs shows that rebellious and insubordinate diplomats reflected larger patterns in American society, and he argues that they frequently improved the nation's foreign policy, while also examining the failures. Anyone trying to make sense of why American policy is plagued by rogue actors today must read this book.' Jeremi Suri, author of The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America's Highest Office '... this is a timely book and will likely remain so, as diplomats are often at odds with secretaries of state and presidents.' J. R. Clardie, Choice