War

Jake Sullivan, national security advisor to President Biden, is depicted as a key strategist in War, functioning as a linchpin for Biden’s foreign policy decisions. With a background in law and extensive experience in international affairs, Sullivan’s role has been to provide Biden with real-time insights and recommendations on a range of critical issues, including the Ukrainian conflict, nuclear threats from Iran, and tensions with China. Woodward portrays Sullivan as a highly analytical figure, someone who values back-channel diplomacy and subtle negotiations over overt displays of power. His approach often seeks to prevent escalations while maintaining a firm US stance, making him a vital influence on the administration’s foreign policy outcomes.

Sullivan’s pragmatic stance is reflected in his coordination of quiet yet impactful diplomatic efforts, often involving allies and sometimes adversaries. Through Sullivan’s character, Woodward sheds light on the behind-the-scenes efforts that shape major US decisions, and the author also reveals the complex negotiations that contribute to international stability. Sullivan’s influence within Biden’s administration is underscored by his ability to manage diverse issues, showing the importance of discretion and flexibility in global diplomacy.

As secretary of state, Antony Blinken has served as Biden’s primary diplomat and is responsible for navigating delicate alliances and fostering US influence abroad. Blinken’s career in foreign policy spans several decades and includes key roles in prior administrations; his past experience equipped him with a deep understanding of international relations and US diplomacy. In War, Woodward portrays Blinken as a staunch advocate for upholding democratic values and as someone who is committed to forming alliances to counter autocratic regimes. Blinken’s efforts to rally global support for Ukraine and his engagement with European leaders highlight his dedication to multilateralism, even as he faces opposition from adversaries like Russia, along with challenges within the US political sphere.

Through Blinken’s diplomatic missions, War illustrates the intense negotiations and moral quandaries embedded in US foreign policy. Blinken’s commitment to humanitarian principles is evident in his approach to conflicts in the Middle East, and he has often advocated for measured responses to minimize civilian casualties. His stance on diplomacy emphasizes the need for both strength and compassion, underscoring the ethical imperatives that guide US interactions on the world stage. Blinken’s work exemplifies the balancing act of promoting peace while confronting global threats.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is a primary antagonist in War, representing a major threat to the democratic ideals upheld by Biden and his administration. Woodward describes Putin as a strategic and manipulative leader who is known for his aggressive foreign policy and his disregard for democratic norms. Putin’s actions in Ukraine—which have ranged from military aggression to propaganda campaigns—demonstrate his goal of restoring Russian influence and undermining Western alliances. By analyzing Putin’s actions, War explores the dangers posed by authoritarian regimes and by the challenges of responding to aggression that threatens global stability.

Putin’s relationship with the West is marked by a mix of hostility and calculated diplomacy. Woodward details Putin’s interactions with Western leaders, including Biden and Trump, and his psychological tactics in foreign policy. Putin’s influence also extends well beyond Russia’s borders, as his actions impact global markets, security alliances, and the political landscape within the United States. War portrays Putin as both a formidable adversary and a catalyst for Biden’s defense of democracy, and Woodward ultimately uses the Russian leader’s controversial legacy to emphasize the existential struggle between autocratic and democratic forces.

General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, played a pivotal role in the events described in War, offering Biden critical military advice during moments of heightened tension. Woodward presents Milley as a deeply strategic thinker who remains focused on balancing military readiness with caution in order to avoid unnecessary escalation. Milley’s experience as a military leader positions him as a voice of reason, and he has often advocated for restrained and calculated responses in conflicts involving Russia, China, and Iran. Milley’s character brings a pragmatic dimension to Biden’s national security team, reinforcing the importance of caution in military interventions.

Throughout War, Milley is depicted as being wary of entangling the US in prolonged conflicts, especially given his understanding of modern warfare’s difficulties. His emphasis on preparing for potential threats while maintaining global stability underscores the military’s critical role in US foreign policy. Milley’s influence reflects the intersection of military power and ethical governance, as he often considers the broader implications of US involvement in foreign conflicts.

As vice president, Kamala Harris has been tasked with supporting Biden’s policy initiatives, particularly in areas concerning national security and diplomatic relations. Woodward depicts Harris as both a confidante to Biden and an emerging figure in international politics, frequently engaging with key leaders and representing the US in high-stakes discussions. Harris’s presence in Biden’s administration has brought a focus on humanitarian issues, as she has frequently emphasized the importance of addressing social and economic concerns alongside military strategy, particularly in regions affected by conflict.

In War, Harris’s influence is particularly visible in her approach to issues surrounding Israel and Palestine, where she has advocated for a balanced stance that considers both security and humanitarian needs. Her diplomatic engagements reveal her focus on ethical leadership, aiming to bridge divides while advancing US interests. Harris’s role illustrates the growing intricacy of American diplomacy, in which policy must account for both security and social justice; this aspect of Woodward’s analysis highlights Harris’s contribution to shaping Biden’s holistic approach to governance.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is a central figure in War since he has managed US defense strategy in an era of shifting global threats. Austin’s military background, including his tenure as a four-star general, has informed his pragmatic approach to defense, prioritizing both preparedness and restraint. Woodward presents Austin as a measured leader who worked closely with Biden and Milley to ensure that the US was prepared to address threats without provoking unnecessary conflict. His role in coordinating US support for Ukraine underscores his commitment to assisting allies while maintaining an emphasis on global stability.

Austin’s influence extends to his management of US relationships with NATO and Middle Eastern allies, in which he has often sought to balance military presence with diplomatic outreach. In War, Austin’s leadership highlights the complexity of US defense policies, especially as they relate to emerging nuclear threats and regional conflicts. His strategic mindset and focus on coalition building reflect the nuanced demands of modern defense and indicate his dedication to maintaining both US security and international alliances.

Former President Donald Trump remains a significant presence in War, with Woodward exploring his enduring influence on US politics and the challenges that his legacy posed for Biden’s administration. Known for his unorthodox approach to foreign policy, Trump’s interactions with autocratic leaders like Putin and his “America First” stance contrast sharply with Biden’s commitment to democratic values and multilateralism. Woodward captures Trump’s impact on the political landscape, highlighting the polarized public opinion and ideological divides that his 2017-2021 presidency intensified.

In War, Trump is portrayed as both a past and a present influence, given that his rhetoric and policy decisions continued to shape Republican positions on foreign and domestic issues during Biden’s administration. Trump’s influence on US-Russia relations, particularly regarding Ukraine, added a layer of complexity to Biden’s diplomatic efforts. Woodward presents Trump as a figure who redefined US foreign policy through his transactional approach, which often eschewed traditional alliances and emphasized nationalism, creating an enduring challenge for Biden, who has focused on reestablishing US credibility and leadership on a global level.

As Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu is a central figure in War, and his actions reflect Israel’s complex relationship with the US and its strategies for regional stability amid rising tensions. Woodward portrays Netanyahu as a skilled and often unyielding leader who remains focused on securing Israel’s interests even when these alignments strain relations with the US. Known for his assertive policies, particularly toward Iran and Palestine, Netanyahu frequently advocates for Israel’s right to self-defense and promotes a strong deterrence strategy. In the events described in War, his decisions—such as targeted military strikes in Gaza and Lebanon—sparked tension between him and Biden’s administration, highlighting the differing approaches to security and diplomacy between the two allies.

Woodward examines Netanyahu’s role in regional diplomacy, showing how his leadership style often prioritizes Israel’s immediate security concerns, even at the expense of potential diplomatic friction. Netanyahu’s complex relationship with Biden has been marked by mutual respect and frustration, as Netanyahu’s uncompromising stance on Palestinian issues and military action sometimes conflicted with Biden’s focus on humanitarian considerations. War ultimately presents Netanyahu as a pragmatic yet contentious figure whose leadership is pivotal to understanding the US-Israel alliance and the broader geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is depicted as a resilient and determined leader who is fighting to defend his country’s sovereignty against Russian aggression. A former actor and political outsider, Zelensky’s rise to leadership and his unyielding stance against Russia have garnered him international recognition and positioned him as a symbol of resistance. Woodward presents Zelensky as both strategic and pragmatic in his efforts to navigate the challenges of securing Western support while striving to protect Ukraine’s interests on the global stage. Zelensky’s plea for aid and his resilience in the face of military threats underscore the broader stakes of the Ukraine conflict, highlighting democracy’s vulnerability to authoritarian aggression.

Woodward emphasizes Zelensky’s challenge of balancing military needs with economic stability, portraying him as a leader who is deeply aware of his nation’s precarious position between powerful adversaries. His interactions with Biden and other Western leaders reveal his strategic skill and understanding of the diplomatic maneuvers required to maintain international support. Zelensky’s influence in War underscores the human dimension of the conflict, and he embodies the struggle for national survival and the broader implications of defending democracy against autocratic regimes.