Super Short Summary

Our Man: Richard Holbrooke and the End of the American Century by George Packer chronicles the life and career of American diplomat Richard Holbrooke, detailing his notable achievements such as brokering the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords that ended the Bosnian War. Born in 1941, Holbrooke's ambitions shift from journalism to diplomacy after being inspired by Dean Rusk. He serves in Vietnam, becomes Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs under President Carter, navigates controversial aspects of foreign policy, advises Wall Street, and later helps shape post-reunification U.S.-German relations. Holbrooke's ultimate diplomatic success in Bosnia contrasts with later struggles as President Obama's Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan until his death in 2010. Topics include violence, war, diplomatic controversies, and loss.