The Foreign Service Journal, December 2006

America’s friends see in this a depar- ture from the America they knew, a nation that pursued a foreign policy based on norms and rules, and steadi- ness in commitments.” For those who believe that intelli- gent and effective diplomacy still can and should be a major tool to preserve American security, this book is a must- read. Speaking as one who has devot- ed a long and distinguished career to trying to put the genie back into the bottle, Goodby concludes: “If states fail to act together to uphold the con- straints imposed by international law and custom, the terrorists will win.” The second major insight in the book’s concluding section is this: “After each great historic turning point in world affairs, mistakes have planted the seeds of future catastrophe. This can happen again. Many of the issues the United States will face as it con- fronts the challenge of nuclear weapons in the 21st century involve the basic terms on which the nation chooses to be involved in the world.” I suspect very few thoughtful diplo- mats would come to a different con- clusion. Yet as one reads this book, it seems that we are living in an era in which nothing was learned from the past and we are blind to the reality of the present. Retired FSO Harry Blaney served at the U.S. missions to NATO and the European Community, and on the Policy Planning Staff and in the White House, among other assignments. He is now the president of the Coalition for American Leadership Abroad (COLEAD), an alliance of 50 nonprof- it U.S. foreign affairs groups that includes the American Foreign Service Association. D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 6 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 79 B O O K S For those who believe that effective diplomacy should remain a major tool to preserve American security, Goodby’s book is a must-read. Interim Accommodations for Corporate and Government Markets Apartments, Townhouses & Single Family Homes “FOR THE EXECUTIVE ON THE MOVE” finder5@IX.netcom.com Locations throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. Units fully furnished, equipped and accessorized Many “Walk to Metro” locations Pet Friendly 5105-L Backlick Road, Annandale, Virginia Tel: (703) 354-4070 Fax: (703) 642-3619 Executive Lodging Alternatives