All the Presidents' Wars

“Damning and meticulously researched… Bergen is distinctly suited to tell this sprawling story.” – Scott Anderson, New York Times, cover review
“Few writers are better placed than Bergen to take the measure of the war on terror… Every citizen—and especially those who will make U.S. policy in the future—should reckon with the primary lesson of All the Presidents’ Wars.” – Philip H. Gordon - Foreign Affairs
“Superb… If you are going to read only one book on the [Global War on Terror], Bergen’s All the Presidents’ Wars is where you should start.” – Joseph Collins - Strategic Affairs
“Eviscerat[ing]… All here in a tight 400 pages, the long, ugly, almost farcical saga.”” – Michael Hirsch - Foreign Policy
“Bergen is uniquely well-positioned to provide an authoritative chronicle of the post-9⁄11 history.” – James Forest - Terrorism and Political Violence
“An excellent compendium of America’s post-9⁄11 war on terror… Policymakers will be well-served in digesting Bergen’s survey of policy missteps.” – Joe Zacks - The Cipher Brief
“Unsparing… [A] withering portrait of stupidity and blindness at the highest levels of the U.S. government.” – Christian Caryl - Washington Monthly
“Necessary… Bergen’s record is a mixture of adaptation and error, competence and hubris, lives protected, and opportunities squandered.” – Jan Gleiman - Small Wars Journal
“Trenchant… Bergen does not conceal his contempt.” – Martin Di Caro - American Conservative
“Bergen’s final lesson is austere: terrorism can be contained but not conquered. Force can disrupt plots, defend populations and buy time; it cannot substitute for politics.” – Colin Robertson - Policy
“Peter Bergen delivers the best overview of America’s post-9⁄11 wars that I’ve seen. He does thoughtfully and fairly, laying out the facts and then coming to solid, evenhanded conclusions. Anyone who wants to understand American foreign policy needs to read this masterful account. Essential reading—and, as a bonus, well-written.” – Thomas E. Ricks, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and author of Fiasco
“Peter Bergen lifts the proverbial ‘fog of war’ to provide a brilliantly clear and much-needed reckoning with America’s twenty-five-year global war on terror. With an even hand and expert skill, he holds US presidents and policymakers accountable for blunders of historic proportion.” – Jane Mayer, The New Yorker staff writer, author of The Dark Side
“The best account I’ve read of America’s post-9⁄11 wars in the Middle East.” – Max Boot, author of Reagan: His Life and Legend
“With his signature clarity and unparalleled insight, Peter Bergen traces the decisions made in the Oval Office and on the battlefield after 9/11—and the lasting consequences that followed. A timely, incisive, and compelling account of a war whose impact is far from over.” – Clarissa Ward, CNN chief international correspondent and author of On All Fronts: The Education of a Journalist
“All the Presidents’ Wars is an unflinching look at the tragic mistakes and miscalculations of four US administrations, as well as the quiet successes that thwarted terrorist plans for further attacks on the US homeland. Drawing on decades of reporting, Bergen’s book is packed with revelations and fascinating insights. An important, deeply researched book, and a fascinating read.” – Joby Warrick, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS
“Profoundly insightful… A primer in how to lose the war on terror.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Peter Bergen is the author of seven books, including Manhunt, one of three New York Times bestsellers. Bergen is vice president at New America, professor at Arizona State University, and CNN national security analyst.

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