A former U.S. ambassador to the E.U. lays out a useful roadmap to successful international negotiations. Negotiations are a crucial part of statecraft, writes Eizenstat. In his latest book, the author aims to distill key events in U.S. negotiations into lessons for the next generation of diplomats and students. In some of the cases, Eizenstat had direct involvement; regarding others, he studied the records closely and interviewed the participants. As any diplomat will tell you, an essential ingredient in a successful negotiation is preparation. You must understand what the other side wants and how far they will go to get it. In the case of American negotiators, they must be clear about their own objectives while also maintaining the support of the Oval Office. Both sides have to be willing to give something, but they must also be able to walk away with something they can claim as a victory, if only a partial one. The point is not defeating an opponent but finding a workable consensus. Eizenstat identifies a failure to follow through on agreements as a recurring weakness of U.S. diplomacy over the decades. Sometimes, the failure arises due to domestic political circumstances; sometimes, it involves the mistaken view that adding signatures to a piece of paper is an end in itself and will solve all problems. Eizenstat hopes that future negotiators will address these shortcomings. “Successful international negotiations require putting aside historic enmities, hatreds, and prejudices, and reasoning together to reach durable, if painful, compromises,” he writes. ... He provides a valuable primer for those with an interest in this field. Eizenstat covers a lot of ground, writing with the authority and clarity of experience.
— Kirkus Reviews
A magisterial tome on the international negotiations that shaped modern American history, Stuart E. Eizenstat’s The Art of Diplomacy gets down to the brass tacks of foreign affairs. An ode to diplomacy’s power and fickleness, this book hopscotches from intimate, in-the-room portraits of what goes into diplomatic deals to expert accounts of the great American negotiators. Henry Kissinger’s “triangular diplomacy,” wedging the US between China and the Soviet Union to promote global stability, is recalled as an example of how, for better or worse, diplomacy can “usher history to places that few would have thought possible.” Unpredictability and trade-offs are a recurring theme in the cases detailed here, too. But what sets the book apart is its prioritization of the individual actors who broker international decisions. In the search for “win-win” compromises, dinners, sporting events, and all manner of creative avenues for engendering trust and goodwill become paramount. Both a primer on how to negotiate and a niche history of the last eight decades in world politics, the book includes hundreds of interviews with top-ranking officials and memories of Eizenstat’s own experiences negotiating. It transitions from what could have been done better (“desperation from the U.S. mediators…emboldened [Arafat] to take a stronger position in the negotiations” that failed at the 2000 Camp David summit) toward pragmatic advice for approaching today’s raging international crises (to achieve peace in Ukraine, Eizenstat says, “it will be essential that there be more than a fragile ceasefire or another set of ‘assurances’ that Russia can violate”) generate countless insights. These are codified into the thirteen diplomatic precepts that conclude the book. Grand in scope and grounded in decades of experience, The Art of Diplomacy is a compelling work of political history aimed at the diplomatic negotiators of tomorrow.
— Foreword Reviews
Stuart Eizenstat has written a masterful book which captures the reasons why the Good Friday Agreement was successfully negotiated, ending decades of violence in ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland. He demonstrates how the combination of the leaders and the circumstances made Good Friday possible, as well as its fragility and the need to nurture it. His brilliantly written book also includes the history and lessons of the major agreements of our era, as well as the failures, in ways which provide lessons for future negotiators. This book is must reading for political leaders and diplomats seeking to resolve the challenges we face in our troubled world today through negotiation, not war.
— Bertie Ahern, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland (1997-2008)
Stuart Eizenstat does not just share with us the fascinating stories of the many negotiations in which he and his interviewees participated or led; he also conveys lessons that may assist his readers to overcome crises and not repeat the same mistakes, increasing their chances to succeed. Every person who is involved with any kind of negotiations must read this book.
— Yossi Beilin, Israeli Minister of Economics and Planning (1995) and Minister of Justice (1999-2001), and principal Israeli negotiator of the 1993 Oslo Accords
The lifeblood of international affairs is diplomacy. The goal of diplomacy is agreement. Yet too little time and energy has been spent on understanding what helps in reaching agreement in foreign relations. As Prime Minister I faced numerous diplomatic challenges, particularly the negotiations and agreement over Northern Ireland. We approached these issues with careful judgement and instinct, and we learned through trial and error some principles on how these types of agreements succeed. Stu Eizenstat’s important book codifies these principles and gives a full spectrum of lessons on diplomacy and negotiation. It will be a much needed and important handbook for those conducting such discussions.
— Tony Blair, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, 1997-2007
Eliminating the use of force in interstate relations calls for a constant dedication to diplomacy. How does it work? Drawing on public sources, personal interviews with key actors and his own rich experience, Stuart Eizenstat offers fascinating accounts of the role of diplomacy in many great controversies. It is first-class diplomatic history but also highly instructive. It should be read by all who deal with foreign policy.
— Hans Blix, Head of International Atomic Energy Agency; Head of United Nations Monitor, Verification, and Inspection Commission on Iraq; Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs
Stu Eizenstat has written an important comparative study of contemporary U.S. diplomacy based on considerable research and actually talking to many of the people who did the diplomacy. Practitioners, scholars, and concerned citizens generally will all find important lessons for the threats and challenges Washington and its allies face right now.
— John Bolton, U.S. National Security Adviser (2018-2019); United States Ambassador to the United Nations (2005-06)
With awesome breadth of perspective, Stuart Eizenstat recounts in riveting detail how U.S. diplomacy shaped the modern world. Spanning decades and enlivened by the voices of diplomats, politicians, and military leaders, Eizenstat’s book provides irreplaceable insights for historians and lessons for the future. A must-read for American policy makers and leaders in facing the challenges ahead.
— Wesley Clark, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (1997-2000)
Stuart Eizenstat is a national treasure. A brilliant lawyer, skilled negotiator, witness to and warrior in geopolitical conflict resolution, Eizenstat brings all of his talents and experience to produce a book that is profoundly wise and richly illuminating. The Art of Diplomacy belongs on the bookshelf of everyone concerned with how we reconcile mankind’s ambitions and fears in a world that places a higher premium on the speed of action rather than the wisdom of reflection. It is a sweeping and sophisticated historical analysis of the thoughts and deeds of our most gifted practitioners of the high art of diplomacy.
— William Cohen, U.S. Secretary of Defense (1997-2001), United States Senator (1979-1997)
Stuart Eizenstat has written a most timely and relevant book on the art of diplomacy that is a must-read for practitioners and students of foreign policy. At a time when the United States is faced with major shifting geopolitical trends and issues of war and peace, he draws on his extensive experience in negotiations and provides a virtual handbook within different historical contexts on the practice of diplomacy, outlining successes, failures, and lessons learned. This book is a valuable contribution to understanding the critical role of diplomacy in facing our nation’s current and future challenges.
— Edward Djerejian, United States Ambassador to Syria (1988-1991), United States Ambassador to Israel (1993-94)
Stu Eizenstat’s length and breadth of experience as one of the most effective negotiators in recent history shines through in this important book. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of international negotiations in general and on issues ranging from Middle East peace to international trade. It is destined to become required reading by generations of international relations students and diplomats alike.
— Michael Froman, President of the Council on Foreign Relations (2023-present), United States Trade Representative (2013-2017)
In today’s complicated and interconnected world, Stuart Eizenstat’s masterful survey of international negotiations is more relevant and important today than ever. His remarkable career and vast knowledge of and experience in high-level negotiations, which I have witnessed first-hand, makes him uniquely qualified to write this book. Only through smart, meaningful negotiations does the world move forward and survive, and Eizenstat has provided an essential road map for future leaders.
— Chuck Hagel, United States Secretary of Defense (2013-2015), United States Senator (1997-2009)
In The Art of Diplomacy, Stuart Eizenstat draws on his own rich diplomatic experience, as well as his detailed interviews with those directly involved in a number of historic negotiations, and brilliantly sets forth what is required to reach a successful international agreement, whether economic or geopolitical. Today, with escalating global tensions, this compelling analysis could not come at a more opportune time. It is a must-read for all of us, and particularly those currently in government.
— Carla Hills, United States Trade Representative (1989-1993)
The Art of Diplomacy is a masterpiece of narrative and analysis, drawing on Stuart Eizenstat’s own experiences and those of hundreds of diplomatic practitioners. Eizenstat instructs the reader in what works and what doesn’t via case studies of successful negotiations on the most critical foreign policy crises from Vietnam to Iraq. His larger points are if anything more valuable than his accounts of diplomatic tradecraft carrying the day, and his theme, that successful diplomacy is based on what a state needs, not what it wants, should be pressed home to anyone involved with international issues.
— James Jeffrey, United States Ambassador to Iraq (2010-2012), Turkey (2008-2010), Albania (2002-2004), Deputy National Security Adviser (2007-2009)
A brilliant analysis of the ins and outs of diplomatic deal-making from one of our country’s finest public servants and global affairs practitioners. Stuart Eizenstat’s superb writing, sharp analysis and in-depth interviews offer unique insights into why diplomacy works, why it fails, and when the use of force becomes necessary. The Art of Diplomacy is a must-read for anyone with an interest in how U.S. diplomatic leadership works (and doesn’t).
— Fred Kempe, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Council (2007-present)
The Art of Diplomacy is a fascinating and important book -- Stuart Eizenstat describes in compelling detail how several peace agreements were reached in the past and provides lessons for the resolution of such disputes: the need for courageous negotiators willing to break from deeply held partisan views; the importance of leaders establishing personal trust; and the need for creative solutions to the many complex impasses that separate parties to a conflict. It is must reading for American and other diplomats trying to end internal conflicts.
— George Mitchell, United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland (1995-2001); United States Special Envoy for Middle East Peace (2009-2011); United States Senator (1980-1995); United States Senate Majority Leader (1989-1995)
Stuart Eizenstat’s The Art of Diplomacy is fascinating and grounded in first-hand knowledge as well as direct conversations with many of the leaders who shaped life and politics in the United States and in different regions around the world. He offers a detailed account of the contribution of the United States to key diplomatic developments in different regions around the world and especially the Middle East, understanding the powerful influence America has, and its ability to manage the international order and protect its allies.
— Ehud Olmert, Prime Minister of Israel (2006-2009), Mayor of Jerusalem (1993-2003), Israeli Minister of Health (1990-1992)
Stuart Eizenstat masterfully transports readers into the rooms where diplomacy happens. The Art of Diplomacy is a tribute to a community of problem solvers; the courageous heads of state, indefatigable diplomats, and creative negotiators who seek to resolve seemingly intractable differences through discussion and compromise. It is a real, unflinching, and even heroic look at what diplomats do and what can be achieved through dialogue.
— Yousef al-Otaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States (2008-present)
Stuart Eizenstat writes about a period of history that was significant but has been underreported. And he does it from a first-hand point of view. Especially significant is the chapter on the Balkan Wars, where his contribution is unique and authoritative. This book will be a key source on this era of history for many years to come.
— William Perry, United States Secretary of Defense (1994-1997), Deputy Secretary of Defense (1993-1994)
A very important, hugely instructive book that examines admirably the difficult issues surrounding the use of military force as an instrument of diplomacy. Stuart Eizenstat marshals impressively his considerable personal experience, expertise, and scholarship and convincingly establishes the critical need for: deep understanding of the culture, history, and political dynamics in countries in which America is considering committing its troops; agreement in advance on a reasonably achievable political outcome; and devotion of sufficient military force on a sustained basis to attain the desired result. We will all be much wiser in confronting the next conflict if we have read The Art of Diplomacy.
— General David H. Petraeus, U.S. Army (Retired), Commander, Multi-National Force-Iraq (2007-2008), U.S. Central Command (2008-2010), International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (2010-2011)
Negotiation is the heart of successful diplomacy. Stuart Eizenstat is a master craftsman whose deep knowledge and success pervade his understanding portrayal of the best in negotiating practice, together with a carefully researched review of a dozen major negotiations. A gold mine of valuable information in a not-to-be-missed must-read.
— Thomas Pickering, United States Ambassador to Russia, India, the United Nations, Israel, El Salvador, Nigeria, and Jordan ; Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs (1997-2000)
It is difficult to think of a better person to write a definitive book on the art of diplomacy than Stuart Eizenstat; the text reflects both his native wisdom and sensibility and his remarkable record in the White House, State Department, law practice, and restoration of Jewish rights and property in post-Holocaust Europe. It makes for mandatory and rewarding reading.
— Itamar Rabinovich, Israeli Ambassador to the United States (1993-1996); Chief Israeli Negotiator with Syria (1993-1996)
Few people know more about diplomacy and negotiations than Stuart Eizenstat. He has been a practitioner of high diplomacy, employing all the tools of statecraft. In this extraordinary book he draws on his experience and that of others to provide insights into to the what, the when, and the how of diplomacy. Practitioners and the interested public alike will learn a great deal from this highly readable book.
— Dennis Ross, Special Assistant to President Obama and Senior Director of the National Security Council for the Central Region (2009-2011); Special Envoy for President Clinton for the Middle East (1993-2001); Director of State Department Policy Planning Staff (1989_1992)
Anyone interested in diplomacy needs to read this extraordinary book. Stuart Eizenstat is not only a skilled diplomatic negotiator, but he has written a cannot-put-it-down tour de force on the importance of skilled diplomatic negotiating. This will no doubt be the gold standard on the subject, and Eizenstat has provided a real public service.
— David M. Rubenstein, Co-Founder, Co-Chief Executive, Co-Chairman of the Board of The Carlyle Group (1987-present); Deputy White House Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy (1977-1981); American philanthropist
Stuart Eizenstat’s book contains a trove of insightful lessons learned through American diplomacy. As regards Middle East diplomacy, the book provides a fascinating account of glorious successes, as well as – and not less important – resounding failures. When the time comes for resuming the Middle East peace process, diplomats should carefully study The Art of Diplomacy. Otherwise, they might overlook the best practices that have worked before or, worse, be doomed to repeat past errors.
— Joel Singer, Legal Adviser to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1993-1996) and a key negotiator of the 1993 Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestinians
This is a brilliant book that manages to capture the essence of conducting real world negotiations that create security under the most difficult circumstances. I wish I had been able to read it before becoming Supreme Allied Commander of NATO!
— James Stavridis, Dean, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University (2013-2018); NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (2009-2013); Commander United States Southern Command (2006-2009)
Stuart Eizenstat has been an extraordinary diplomat and negotiator in realms ranging from Holocaust claims to global climate arrangements and from European trade to delicate congressional compromises. This book distills the lessons of his experience. Anyone who needs to forge agreements to achievements -- and that is all of us -- can learn from this book.
— Lawrence Summers, President of Harvard University (2001-2006); Director of the National Economic Council (2009-2010); United States Secretary of the Treasury (1999-2001)
In The Art of Diplomacy, Stuart Eizenstat addresses the central challenge of our age. Gone are the halcyon days of American hegemony; instead, we face the crises of great-power competition, profound economic and technological transformation, and climate change, to mention a few. To survive, the United States must negotiate, not dictate its place in the world. Drawing on his own experiences and those of contemporary American statesmen, Eizenstat shows us a sensible path forward. If we martial our resources and learn from the lessons of our experience, we can help shape a future not wrought from violence and confrontation but from wisdom and diplomacy.
— Frank G. Wisner, United States Ambassador to India (1994-1997), Philippines (1991-1992), Egypt (1986-1991), Zambia (1979-1982). Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (1995-1999); Under Secretary of State for International Security Affairs (1992-1993)
Most teachers of foreign policy rely on international relations theories; Stuart Eizenstat instead applies history to explain the art of international negotiations. His perceptive studies range from matters of war and peace to trade and environmental policy. Eizenstat’s book will appeal to readers of American history, biography, foreign affairs, and politics—as well as to people who want to know how to accomplish things in the world. His experience as an astute and effective practitioner adds insights to his stories. Every student of foreign policy will enjoy and benefit from learning history and practice from The Art of Diplomacy.
— Robert Zoellick, President of the World Bank (2001-2005); United States Trade Representative (2001-2005); Deputy Secretary of State (2005-2006); White House Deputy Chief of Staff (1992-1993)
In a wise and insightful discussion, Stuart Eizenstat offers a rich picture of the broad precepts and intricate details of U.S. diplomacy during the past fifty years, including his own valuable negotiating experience on Holocaust reparations and climate change. His twelve lessons of ‘the art of diplomacy’ serve as an invaluable guide to anyone engaged in diplomatic negotiations.
— John Negroponte, First Director of National Intelligence, Former Ambassador to the UN, Iraq, Mexico, Philippines and Honduras
Over my years in public life, I have known few people who have better combined Stu Eizenstat’s commitment to doing the right thing with his exceptional skills in getting things done. His book is an invaluable account of how he and other talented negotiators rose to the occasion to turn moments of hope into enduring realities.
— President Bill Clinton
“Diplomacy has long been the backbone of U.S. foreign policy, and among its most skilled practitioners is Stuart Eizenstat. His latest book, The Art of Diplomacy, reveals why diplomatic negotiations are an essential tool in achieving our country’s long-term objectives—filled with first-hand experiences to bring to life the drama and consequences of international negotiation. From regional conflicts to global crises, Eizenstat recognizes that diplomacy is not the pursuit of perfection but the balancing of risk.”
— Hillary Clinton, former United States Secretary of State
“Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat’s book is an indispensable guide for a world in which economic, political, military, and environmental challenges transcend borders, as diplomats and other negotiators seek to balance national interest with the greater global good. In recounting crucial negotiations of the past half century, he deepens our understanding of the human factors that underpin these landmark agreements, their enduring impact on millions of lives, and lessons to guide us in peacefully settling international disputes."
— Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairperson of the World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland
“The Art of Diplomacy is a fascinating new approach to the subject. Reviewing negotiations as different as trade, climate, and peacemaking, and including negotiations that spanned years, Stuart Eizenstat captures the variations and the constants of international negotiation. There is much here to which leaders and diplomats need to pay attention.”
— Ronald Neumann, former US Ambassador to Afghanistan
From the foreword: Stuart Eizenstat has written a thoughtful treatise....He is well-equipped to do so after a lifetime of public service and law practice at the highest levels. His experience as President Carter’s chief domestic policy advisor informed his distinguished diplomatic career – he understands both the internal pressures for short-term success and the external requirements of long-term survival....We have long agreed that the United States needs a framework for conducting diplomacy, and Eizenstat has written this book to provide one.
— Dr. Henry A. Kissinger
This book is an excellent resource. Particularly at a time when students are learning less about history. More seasoned professionals and older adults who may have focused less on politics or foreign policy when they were young can also benefit from Eizenstat’s comprehensive approach to telling the story of these complex foreign engagements.
— Nathan's Papers: Books for CONGRESS
These studies are often fascinating and, based as they are on extensive interviews with participants like former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the former C.I.A. director Leon Panetta, they contain a great deal of useful research material. By far the most interesting of them is Eizenstat's firsthand account of his time negotiating with Swiss, German and Austrian authorities and commercial institutions to secure reparations and restitution for Holocaust survivors.
— New York Times Book Review
Stuart Eizenstat’s The Art of Diplomacy covers 50 years of how American diplomats helped remake the world, sharing the secrets behind successes and stumbles that remade the world. Essential reading about the art of making the impossible possible.
— The Cipher Brief
When Eizenstat is in his element, his network extends well over a topic, and the content is well moderated, the results are stunning. This accounts for most of the book’s 12 chapters, which cover everything from Kissinger to the Kyoto climate negotiations.... The Art of Diplomacy will assuredly be a fun yet distinctly informative read for anyone interested in U.S. diplomatic history or even foreign policy more generally. As a guide for future diplomats, The Art of Diplomacy also accomplishes its mission.
— Washington Examiner
It is difficult to think of a person better qualified to write a book on international negotiations than Stuart (Stu) Eizenstat, President Jimmy Carter’s chief domestic policy adviser…. The Art of Diplomacy describes in fascinating detail the major negotiations in recent years in which the US has acted either as negotiator or mediator…. This excellent book on international negotiations and American foreign policy will no doubt be a necessary addition to every public and private library.
— Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs