Polictical – Ryan’s Book Blog

Punishing Putin

December 7, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in February of 2024, “Punishing Putin: Inside the Global Economic War to Bring Down Russia” is a comprehensive examination of the unprecedented economic sanctions imposed by the United States and its European allies in response to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Authored by journalist Stephanie Baker, the book delves into the intricate strategies and international collaborations aimed at undermining Russia’s economy and war capabilities. Baker provides an in-depth analysis of the sanctions’ development, implementation, and their far-reaching impacts on global alliances and economic structures. Through meticulous research and access to key Western and Russian sources, she offers readers a nuanced understanding of this significant aspect of modern economic statecraft.

My Thoughts

There was certainly plenty of detail in this book and no small amount of frustration as the seesaw of opinion and politics has been operating over the last few decades. It is fairly incredible how Russia continues to operate under sanctions, yet becomes more understandable as constant failures to commit or to create a united front have plagued the effort since early on. Where would we be at this point had there been a more effective early intervention? At the time of this writing, the US has sent over 175 Billion dollars worth of resources in aid and we are sending more. (Source)

Baker opens the window to the world of international law and finance with this book. I can honestly say that I learned a lot and am processing even more after reading through this.

Recommendation

A great read if you are interested.

Life as We Know It (Can Be)

October 7, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in April of 2024, “Life as We Know It (Can Be)” by Bill Weir (CNN’s chief climate correspondent), reflects on his life including decades of reporting and speculates on the future for his children. Written as a series of Earth Day letters to his son, the book explores ideas, communities, and various solutions in energy, food, and sustainability. Weir weaves together personal reflections, stories of resilience, and a call to action to build a more hopeful and sustainable future.

My Thoughts

Though the book was interesting at times, I can’t say it was unbiased and objective. He constantly referred to President Trump as “The President in the red hat” and his stories consistently showed his bias as a climate activist. (His story about Al Gore was the most flattering of the former Vice-President that I’d ever seen.)

Recommendation

I’d skip this one.

In the Mind of Stalin

August 31, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2023, “In the Mind of Stalin” by James Greensmith, provides an in-depth exploration of the psychological landscape of one of history’s most enigmatic and ruthless dictators, Joseph Stalin. Through meticulous research and analysis, Greensmith delves into the paradoxical nature of Stalin, examining how he could display moments of personal tenderness while orchestrating mass atrocities that led to millions of deaths. The book seeks to unravel the complex motivations, fears, and strategies that defined Stalin’s rule over the Soviet Union, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the man behind the iron fist. It is a compelling study for anyone interested in the darker aspects of political power and totalitarianism.

My Thoughts

Not exactly a book to pick you up and put a smile on your face. I didn’t like this one. I didn’t like how it read and I didn’t enjoy how everything was put together and referenced. Ironically, it read like propaganda with the exception of it being anti-Stalin.

I am no fan of Stalin, but I don’t know this narrative was an accurate picture of him. I found myself feeling like very little was definitive and I really wonder if the public will ever really know what happened.

Recommendation

Skip this one.

American Woman The Transformation of the Modern First Lady

August 21, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in February of 2024, “American Woman: The Transformation of the Modern First Lady, from Hillary Clinton to Jill Biden.” by Katie Rogers explores how the role of the First Lady in the United States has evolved from Hillary Clinton to Jill Biden. Rogers examines the shifting expectations, media scrutiny, and political influence that have shaped the position over the past few decades. By comparing and contrasting the last 5 First Ladies, the book provides a look at how each navigated her role, balancing personal identity with public duty in a changing political landscape

My Thoughts

While the book came from a New York Times correspondent, it was decently balanced in terms of political leaning. It was still left of center, but most of political commentary was kept to a minimum. There was a long section on President Biden I could do without, but I appreciated that it largely kept to subject at hand.

It makes me feel old as I remember each of the last 5 First Ladies well. (Same with a few of the previous ones as well.) Rogers was in line with what I remember happening at the time. Plus, after reading a few of their biographies, her research seemed to true to their narrative. I appreciate the aggregation of the information and taking the reader through the lens of precedent and expectation. It does make me wonder what the first “First Gentlemen” will feel and what they end up doing with that platform.

Recommendation

Not a bad read.

A Full Life Reflections at Ninety

August 18, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2015, “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety,” by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, is the reflection on his long and varied life, offering insights into his personal experiences, public service, and enduring values. Written as he reached his 90th year, Carter shares anecdotes from his childhood in rural Georgia, his years in the Navy, his political career, and his post-presidency humanitarian work. The memoir is rich with his thoughts on faith, family, and the principles that guided him through decades of public and private challenges. Carter’s humility, wisdom, and commitment to peace and human rights shine through in this deeply personal and reflective work, providing readers with an intimate portrait of one of America’s most respected statesmen.

My Thoughts

Honestly, I want to like President Carter. I respect that he really was his own person and by most accounts was a legitimately nice genuine guy. His charity work has been nothing short of amazing. He used his position to do as much good as he could and he was himself the whole time. He even mentioned my church in the book… However, I just couldn’t get into this book. I didn’t like the pacing and I feel like something intangible was tugging at me the entire time.

On a separate note, there doesn’t seem to be much room for a nice guy in politics. That thought gives me more pain than I’d like to admit. When I was in high school, I had a saying that if someone wanted to be politics, they shouldn’t be in politics. That’s exactly the kind of self defeating nonsense that justified me staying out of any meaningful work. I really don’t have an answer.

Recommendation

This was a hard one to get through.

The Sling and the Stone

July 12, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2004, “The Sling and the Stone,” is a comprehensive exploration of modern warfare and the evolution of conflict in the 21st century. Authored by Colonel Thomas X. Hammes, the book challenges conventional military strategies and highlights the increasing relevance of irregular warfare and insurgency tactics in contemporary conflicts. Drawing on historical examples and extensive research, Hammes examines the strengths and weaknesses of both conventional and unconventional approaches to warfare, offering insights into how nations and armed forces can adapt to effectively combat non-traditional threats.

My Thoughts

I’m amazed at how well this book has held up as it is over 20 years old. Of course, much has changed particularly with Al-Qaeda as the book was written before the Arab Spring. Still, it gave valuable insight into the Middle East and their varied intertwining histories. It is interesting even today that most people conceive of war in terms of nation states and battlefields. We have moved into a completely new paradigm, particularly now even our Marines have divested themselves from traditional armor and artillery. It’s a brave new world out there and I hope we are ready for it.

It was very interesting to see how the vision of 20 years ago gave seed to the Marine “Force Design 2030” and similar measures. Also, I really enjoyed the idea of modern warfighters playing MMORPGs to ready themselves for 4th generation war. Maybe all that time in my life wasn’t wasted after all.

Recommendation

An older read, but surprisingly relevant.

Yellowface

June 6, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2023, “Yellowface,” by R.F. Kuang, is a novel delving into issues of cultural appropriation, identity, and the cutthroat world of publishing. The story follows June Hayward, a struggling writer who seizes an unexpected opportunity after the sudden death of her more successful friend, Athena Liu. June decides to publish Athena’s unpublished manuscript under her own name, assuming a new identity and navigating the complexities of literary fame. As she gains success, June faces mounting pressure and guilt, exposing the darker side of the literary industry and the consequences of erasing and exploiting another’s voice.

My Thoughts

I honestly don’t remember where I heard about his book or who recommended it to me. I had it on hold for months and was surprised when it finally popped up in my inbox. That said, I really didn’t like at first. Juniper was self entitled narcissistic piece of garbage who couldn’t get over the fact that her friend was successful. I didn’t know what the book was about and it took me a minute to figure out that I wasn’t supposed to like the protagonist. And she didn’t get any better…

I was pulled in. I loved the commentary on social media and the internet as a whole. How shallow and fickle people can be and how ridiculous cancel culture can be. The book made me think about how unsafe the internet really is and how petty people can be. This book is sad commentary on a society so focused on themselves that they’ve lost an reason to exist. On people who have to find connection with others who are just as vapid and small as themselves. Tearing down each other to make themselves feel better. For most of us, that was middle school or junior high. Unfortunately, some never really evolved past it.

Fortunately, the book eventually ended. It was too much pettiness to keep watching and was getting more and more painful. It was well written and was a compelling story, yet if people are really like that, I feel terrible for them. I’m glad that I know many people who have grown up and are simply good humans.

Recommendation

It became better as it went on. However, I won’t be reading it again.

Romney: A Reckoning

May 3, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2023, “Romney: A Reckoning” is a biography of former Presidential nominee Mitt Romney written by McKay Coppins. Romney has been both the darling of the GOP as the lead Republican and fell out of favor as he questioned the Republican party for standing behind President Trump through thick and thin. The book takes the reader through the beginnings of the Romney fortune, his upbringing, and through his years in politics through 2023.

My Thoughts

The book cast Mitt Romney as someone who put principle over preference and as a man of honor and integrity. I was no fan of Mitt Romney through the presidential election as I believed he was not the person to represent my religion. Similar to Harry Reid, I had a hard time seeing eye to eye with these men and felt they shouldn’t be the standard bearers. Also, I didn’t see President Obama as someone that could be beaten. He was too well loved and the country simply couldn’t vote against him. (I do agree with Romney’s opinion that President Obama was out of his depth, but was just to arrogant to understand it.)

The ongoing feud with President Trump was interesting to see from Romney’s perspective. I’m inclined to believe the narrative as truth is a relative term for President Trump. He was a terrible President and was an embarrassment to our country. In fact that he is the front runner again is simply terrifying. I’m just as impressed with President Biden and I honestly fear for our nation in the coming years.

Recommendation

Not a bad read.

The Grand Strategy That Won The Cold War

April 16, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2016, “The Grand Strategy that Won the Cold War: Architecture of Triumph” by Douglas E. Streusand, presents an analysis of the strategic framework that led to the United States’ victory in the Cold War. Streusand examines the multifaceted approach adopted by American policymakers, emphasizing the importance of containment, military strength, economic vitality, and ideological warfare. Drawing on extensive research and historical evidence, he argues that the United States successfully constructed a resilient and adaptable grand strategy that effectively countered Soviet expansionism and ultimately led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

My Thoughts

This was a fascinating look behind the scenes of the Reagan administration and how they went about combating communism and more specifically the USSR. The author is unapologetically pro President Reagan and states repeatedly that he both had the vision and followed through. If true, that is impressive and puts so many actions taken in perspective. I am currently looking for more information and/or the counter argument.

Recommendation

A little stuffy and full of references, but I enjoyed it.

Killers of the Flower Moon

November 3, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2017, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI” is a nonfiction book by David Grann. It narrates the chilling and little-known history of the Osage murders in the 1920s. The Osage Nation in Oklahoma became immensely wealthy due to oil reserves under their land, which led to a series of brutal murders as outsiders schemed to claim their wealth. The book unfolds in three parts, detailing the Osage community’s tragedy, the investigation led by the fledgling FBI, and Grann’s contemporary investigation into the murders that delves deeper into the conspiracy and its wide-reaching impact.

My Thoughts

A very sad tale of greed and corruption in American history. We love to romanticize the old West, but there were some terrible things that occurred during that period. It makes me thankful to live in our world today.

Recommendation

It was well written, but a rough topic. I have little to no desire to see the movie.