Recent Reading Report - Rogue Diplomats

Yesterday, I completed a mega-book review (2500 words, oof!) for a roundtable hosted by the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations (SHAFR). I don’t want to undermine that review, but I also just wanted to share a few words about the book, Rogue Diplomats by Seth Jacobs.

Jacobs argues that there is a peculiar strain in American diplomatic character that embraces a flexible relationship with rules and orders. Essentially, many American diplomats have flagrantly disregarded instructions from their superiors and pursued their own foreign policy. Jacobs shares six case studies in which diplomats have broken the rules - five of which resulted in a better outcome for the nation.

The book offers a really interesting overview of American foreign policy form 1778 to present. It would be a great addition to a U.S. history survey or diplomatic history class. It’s very accessible and an incredibly fun book as well, so I think students would enjoy the extremely flamboyant characters as well. I also got the sense that Jacobs really enjoyed writing the book, which made it a joy to read, and is something historians should consider as a model for their own work. Not all books should radiate joy, but it’s ok if they do.