“‘Can the world still count on America?’ The question is provocative but Simon Serfaty’s persuasive review of past choices and outcomes — some intended and others not — forcefully counters recurring claims of decline and current calls for retrenchment. You need not agree with all the author’s conclusions to applaud this elegantly written essay and learn from its historical approach to today’s global context and policy dilemmas.” (Stephen J. Hadley, Former U.S. National Security Adviser)
“Reading Serfaty on American foreign policy is seldom less than a heady experience. With his characteristic eloquence and lucidity, Serfaty draws on history and literature to diagnose the ills afflicting America — and offers a potent prescription for recovery that merits the widest possible attention.” (Jacob Heilbrunn, Editor,
The National Interest)
“Few people have thought more deeply and written more eloquently about American foreign policy than Simon Serfaty. If you want to know more about the last seventy years – this book is a must-read!” (Wolfram Ischinger, Chairman, Munich Security Conference)
“This lucid and timely book by a wise and seasoned analyst distills the knowledge gained from decades of close observation and study of American presidents and their foreign policies. Spanning the century from Harry S. Truman to Joe Biden, the book mixes keen insights with provocative judgements and at times searing criticism. Overall, it makes a reasoned and compelling – not to mention, heartfelt – case for continued US leadership and engagement in the world.” (John L. Harper, Professor Emeritus of American Foreign Policy, Johns Hopkins University, USA)
“In
Play it Again, Sam, Simon Serfaty builds upon his expertise forged through decades of research on international politics to offer an original perspective on an American-led world order at the crossroads. The book displays a remarkable historical sensitivity in its analysis of presidential leadership and current geopolitical challenges. Sefarty convincingly demonstrates that while the past is not a perfect roadmap for the future, it permeates how we think about the course of U.S. foreign policy.” (Vincent Boucher, Research Fellow, Center on United States Studies, Raoul Dandurand Chair in Strategic and Diplomatic Studies, University of Quebec at Montreal, Canada)
“Serfaty brings to his latest book all his acuity and experience, his feel for America and its place in the world, and his insight into the constant internal struggle between its shifting values, identity and interests. As futile as hope might seem amid "zero polarity" turbulence, Serfaty remains hopeful that America will remain “an exceptional country even when it does exceptionally foolish things”, and that it will continue to rise to the burdens of leadership without which any semblance of world order will disappear”. (Dr Robin Niblett CMG, Director and Chief Executive, The Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, UK)