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Michael McFaul

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Michael Anthony McFaul is an American academic and professor of political science who served as the United States Ambassador to Russia from 2012 to 2014. Prior to his nomination to the ambassadorial position, McFaul worked for the U.S.
15 books on the list
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By More Than Providence book cover
By More Than Providence
Grand Strategy and American Power in the Asia Pacific Since 1783 (A Nancy Bernkopf Tucker and Warren I. Cohen Book on American–East Asian Relations)
Michael Green - 2017-04-04
Goodreads Rating
This historical book explores the United States' evolving policy towards East Asia, dating back to the 18th century. From early debates about partnering with China or Japan, to modern concerns about defending the Pacific, the author uncovers recurring themes in American statecraft. Drawing on archives and interviews, he focuses on a central fear: that a rival power might use the Pacific to isolate and threaten the United States, preventing trade and the spread of democracy. Follow the ideas of history's major strategists and statesmen, including Mahan and Kissinger, to gain clarity on America's stake in the region.
Michael McFaul
2023-01-10T07:31:29.000Z
Grounded by COVID this week, I've been reading Mike Green's "By More Than Providence: Grand Strategy and American Power in the Asia Pacific Since 1783" and it's fantastic. Highly recommend!      source
Chip War book cover
Chip War
The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology
Chris Miller - 2022-10-04
Goodreads Rating
Discover the new oil of the modern world - microchip technology. In "Chip War," economic historian Chris Miller explores the battle for control over this critical resource between the United States and China. With virtually everything running on chips, from missiles to microwaves, the stakes are high for military, economic, and geopolitical power. China's chip-building ambitions and military modernization threaten America's global dominance and economic prosperity. Miller explains how the semiconductor became so vital to modern life and how America became #1 in chip design and manufacturing. But with key components slipping out of America's grasp, the world faces not only a chip shortage but a new Cold War. Discover the fascinating story of the battle for chips and how it impacts our current state of technology, politics, and economics.
Michael McFaul
2022-11-02T17:16:17.000Z
Just started reading this fabulous book, Chip War, by @crmiller1 !      source
The Hawk and the Dove book cover
The Hawk and the Dove
Paul Nitze, George Kennan, and the History of the Cold War
Nicholas Thompson - 2009-09-15
Goodreads Rating
Discover the striking tale of two American men who were at the epicenter of the Cold War. Despite holding opposing strategies for winning the conflict, they remained lifelong friends. One believed in preparing to win a nuclear clash, while the other advocated for containing the Soviet Union. This masterful double biography tells the story of the Cold War through the careers of two of its most interesting and important figures.
Michael McFaul
2022-05-14T18:38:37.000Z
+1 ! Great book (from my former student).      source
Russia's Crony Capitalism book cover
Russia's Crony Capitalism
The Path from Market Economy to Kleptocracy
Anders Aslund - 2019-05-21
Goodreads Rating
This insightful book delves into Russia's economic system and how it has been used to consolidate power and control in the hands of Putin's wealthy and loyal network of cronies. Learn about Putin's tactics and their implications for Russia's future, including the hidden wealth in offshore havens and the impact on the stagnating economy. A must-read for those interested in understanding the inner workings of modern-day Russia.
Michael McFaul
2022-03-09T20:07:02.000Z
Agreed. And for details, everyone should read this fantastic book:      source
Here, Right Matters book cover
Here, Right Matters
An American Story
Alexander Vindman - 2021-08-03
Goodreads Rating
"Here, Right Matters" is a powerful memoir by retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman. A naturalized citizen, Vindman made the decision to report the infamous phone call that led to presidential impeachment, despite intense pressure to stay silent. In this stirring account, Vindman shares his childhood as an immigrant, his career in service of his new home, and the fallout and cost of his brave actions. "Here, Right Matters" is a call to arms for those who refuse to let America betray its true self.
Michael McFaul
2021-09-28T18:04:25.000Z
Just finished reading @AVindman very compelling HERE, RIGHT MATTERS. If you have not yet (or even if you have!) join us conversation @FSIStanford at noon today.      source
Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy book cover
Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy
An Agenda for Growth and Shared Prosperity
Joseph E. Stiglitz - 2015-11-02
Goodreads Rating
This book tackles the prevalent issue of economic inequality in America - a country that prides itself on being the land of opportunity. Despite this, the US lags behind developed nations when it comes to measures of inequality and economic mobility. Author Joseph E. Stiglitz debunks the common belief that these stark conditions are inevitable consequences of market outcomes, globalization, and technological progress. He argues that American inequality is a result of misguided structural rules that actually stifle economic growth. This book provides valuable insights on the policies that need to change to encourage greater equality without sacrificing growth.
Michael McFaul
2020-11-28T05:19:49.000Z
+1. Great book. ReWriting the Rules of the American Economy by @JosephEStiglitz is also worth a read. One might not always agree with Stiglitz (although I often do) but he always makes you think.      source
Invisible China book cover
Invisible China
How the Urban-Rural Divide Threatens China’s Rise
Scott Rozelle - 2020-10-12
Goodreads Rating
Invisible China delves into the real economic consequences of China's rapid development, shedding light on the country's overreliance on unskilled labor and its potential for an economic crisis. Authors Scott Rozelle and Natalie Hell draw on extensive surveys on the ground, revealing that while China may be the world's second-largest economy, its labor force has one of the lowest levels of education of any comparable country. The book speaks not only to an urgent humanitarian concern but also a potential economic crisis that could upend economies and foreign relations around the globe. This timely call to action is essential reading for economists, policymakers, the business community, and general readers alike.
Michael McFaul
2020-11-13T17:48:35.000Z
Those convinced that think China’s rise will continue smoothly and inevitably need to read this book - Invisible China      source
The Kill Chain book cover
The Kill Chain
Defending America in the Future of High-Tech Warfare
Christian Brose - 2020-04-21
Goodreads Rating
"The Kill Chain" by Christian Brose highlights how new technologies are threatening America's military might. It emphasizes that the future of war is not about buying better versions of the same military systems; instead, it is about buying faster, better kill chains. Former Staff Director for the Senate Armed Services Committee and senior policy advisor to Senator John McCain, Christian Brose elaborates on one of the greatest strategic predicaments facing America now -- that they are playing a losing game. The book emphasizes that the biggest obstacle to adapting is the sheer force of the status quo.
Michael McFaul
2020-09-15T05:26:26.000Z
@Jaredasplundh @Stanford Its a smart book. And @cdbrose is not only a real specialist, but a great writer as well.      source
Recommended by
Chris Fralic
Tough Love book cover
Tough Love
My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For
Susan Rice - 2019-10-08
Goodreads Rating
In Tough Love, Susan Rice shares her inspiring story of a life in service to family and country. As National Security Advisor to President Obama, Rice provides an insider's account of pivotal moments in American diplomacy and foreign policy. She reveals previously untold stories behind recent national security challenges, including the struggle to contain the fallout from Edward Snowden's leaks, the U.S. response to Russian interference in the 2016 election, and the surreal transition to the Trump administration. With unmatched insight and bluntness, Rice culminates with an appeal to the American public to bridge our dangerous domestic divides in order to preserve our democracy and sustain our global leadership.
Michael McFaul
2020-07-31T21:18:00.000Z
Ive known @AmbassadorRice for 35 years. Believe me when I tell you that she is passionate about racial injustice & progressive causes. Our first projects together as @Stanford & @UniofOxford concerned anti-apartheid. (Read her excellent book, Tough Love!)      source
Recommended by
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We by Yevgeny Zamyatin
Welfare for Autocrats by Jennifer Pan
The Back Channel by William J. Burns
The Third Revolution by Elizabeth C. Economy
Unstable Majorities by Morris P. Fiorina
The Beautiful Country and the Middle Kingdom by John Pomfret