Our Man: Richard Holbrooke and the End of the American Century by George Packer

For the past twenty-five years, Richard Holbrooke was one of the most prominent figures in American diplomacy. A prominent diplomat and foreign policy strategist, Holbrooke sought to shape a better world order and make America's place in it. George Packer, in his book "Our Man: Richard Holbrooke and the End of the American Century," delves deeply into Holbrooke's life and career, exploring the integral role he played in American foreign policy and why he was so uniquely successful in it.

George Packer takes readers on a fascinating journey through Holbrooke's life, from his childhood in New York, to his tenure in the Vietnam War, to his career as a diplomat working for both Republican and Democratic administrations. Packer provides context and insight into why Holbrooke was so successful in his various roles, highlighting his insistence on trying to work both sides of the aisle despite divisions between political parties. He also explores Holbrooke's trademark combination of passionate idealism and hardheaded pragmatism, an approach which allowed him to be successful in solving disputes, organizing relief efforts and engaging in negotiations between leaders of disparate nations.

Packer also dissects Holbrooke's career and its failings. He discusses Holbrooke's drive for power, and how it often hindered his successes. He looks at how Holbrooke's reluctance to move beyond his own individual successes and his inability to form relationships with powerful figures and leaders made it difficult for him to make the lasting changes in American foreign policy that he sought. Despite these shortcomings, Packer still offers admiration for Holbrooke and his legacy as an American diplomat.

"Our Man: Richard Holbrooke and the End of the American Century" serves as an invaluable resource for students and scholars of American foreign policy. Packer provides insight into the major events of Holbrooke's career, examining the position of America in the world at the time of his service, the impact of his diplomatic mission's successes and the difficult decisions that had to be made. Despite Holbrooke's success, Packer makes it clear how much more could have been done to create a more peaceful and stable world had Holbrooke been able to break down the various political and cultural barriers that kept nations apart.

Ultimately, George Packer's book offers a window into the life and career of one of America's greatest diplomats. For readers looking for a comprehensive profile of Holbrooke and his legacy, "Our Man: Richard Holbrooke and the End of the American Century" is an invaluable resource. It provides a detailed exploration of Holbrooke's life, explaining his successes as well as his shortcomings, and ultimately, demonstrates the importance of Holbrooke's legacy in today's world.