“War” by Bob Woodward
OFF THE SHELF
“War” by Bob Woodward
IBob Woodward’s War is a deep dive into the first Trump administration’s approach to national security and military strategy. An award-winning investigative journalist, Woodward’s meticulous reporting provides an insider’s perspective, relying on extensive interviews and documentation.
Despite being a political and military-focused book (an unusual category for our book club), we found it surprisingly accessible and engaging. Woodward’s narrative style makes complex topics easy to follow, even for those unfamiliar with military affairs. War not only delves into the military and national security decisions of Trump’s first administration but also offers a broader comparison of Trump’s presidency with that of Joe Biden. His portrayal of key figures, from Trump to generals like James Mattis and Mark Milley, adds a human dimension to the high-stakes decision-making.
The book primarily focuses on the later years of Trump’s administration, particularly the unorthodox approach in his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, military decisions, and national security issues, while also touching on the transition to Biden’s leadership. It provides critical insights into the leadership style, decision-making processes, and policy approaches of Trump’s first term—elements that could shape his return to office. For example, War details the resistance Trump faced from generals, advisors, and even his own staff. This explains why Trump in his second administration is determined to surround himself with loyalists rather than career officials who challenge his decisions. Even though it falls outside our usual genre, War was an eye-opening and easy read. Woodward’s storytelling keeps the complex political and military manoeuvres engaging, and his comparisons between Trump and Biden provide ample discussion points. Whether one agrees with all of Woodward’s conclusions or not, War is a thought-provoking and well-documented look at previous history. Overall, we appreciated the book’s clarity and insight, and it sparked some great discussions about leadership, strategy, and the current challenges of modern warfare. While not our usual pick, War proved to be an easy yet thought provoking read. We rated the book 9/10