In the Nation's Service: The Life and Times of George P. Shultz

George Pratt Shultz, a distinguished public servant who served as US Secretary of Labor, Secretary of the Treasury, and Secretary of State, is profiled in Philip Taubman's book "In the Nation's Service." Shultz's life was characterized by his ability to deftly solve critical and intractable national and global problems, often against withering resistance. His leadership altered the arc of history, and his legacy and the lessons of his career have even greater meaning now that the Shultz brand of conservatism has been almost erased in the modern Republican Party. Taubman restores Shultz to his central place in American history, revealing his gift for forging relationships and his difficulty standing up for his principles.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 504 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: Stanford University Press

The Definitive Biography of a Distinguished Public Servant: George Pratt Shultz's Pivotal Role in Steering the Great Powers Toward the End of the Cold War

George Pratt Shultz, a distinguished public servant who served as the United States Secretary of Labor, Secretary of the Treasury, and Secretary of State, played a pivotal role in steering the great powers toward the end of the Cold War. His life was characterized by his deft ability to solve critical but intractable national and global problems, often against withering resistance. Shultz's quiet, effective leadership altered the arc of history, and his legacy and the lessons of his career have even greater meaning now that the Shultz brand of conservatism has been almost erased in the modern Republican Party.

In his book, "In the Nation's Service: The Untold Story of George Pratt Shultz, Architect of the End of the Cold War," longtime New York Times Washington reporter Philip Taubman restores the modest Shultz to his central place in American history. Taubman reveals Shultz's gift for forging relationships with people and then harnessing the rapport to address national and international challenges, under his motto, "trust is the coin of the realm." However, Taubman also highlights Shultz's difficulty standing up for his principles, motivated by a powerful sense of loyalty that often trapped him in inaction.

The book is based on exclusive access to Shultz's personal papers, housed in a sealed archive at the Hoover Institution. Through this access, Taubman offers a remarkable insider account of the behind-the-scenes struggles of the statesman who played a pivotal role in unwinding the Cold War. The book sheds light on Shultz's negotiations with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, his efforts to promote democracy and human rights in Eastern Europe, and his role in shaping American foreign policy during the 1970s and 1980s.

Shultz's legacy is particularly significant in the context of the modern Republican Party, which has moved away from the conservative principles that shaped his career. Taubman argues that Shultz's commitment to diplomacy, international cooperation, and human rights aligns with the values that many Americans hold dear, despite the fact that his brand of conservatism has been marginalized within the party.

In conclusion, "In the Nation's Service: The Untold Story of George Pratt Shultz, Architect of the End of the Cold War" is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, foreign policy, and the role of public servants in shaping the course of history. Philip Taubman's masterful storytelling and exclusive access to Shultz's personal papers provide a deep and insightful account of a remarkable statesman who played a pivotal role in the end of the Cold War and beyond.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503638167