The dramatic journey less than four months before the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine is described in the new book War by the famous American journalist Bob Woodward. The 81-year-old reporter, who uncovered the Watergate affair with his colleague Carl Bernstein in the 1970s, proves that he is still in top form.
The respected reporter has written about every American president from Richard Nixon to Joe Biden. And the outgoing democrat is the central character of the reportage, in which the holder of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize brilliantly describes how his government was affected by two wars – in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Woodward conducted hundreds of hours of interviews with the highest-ranking actors from the White House, the Pentagon and around Biden’s juice Donald Trump. They agreed that he could record them on a dictaphone, as long as he did not reveal who provided the information. The result is an incredibly engaging and thorough book that can be described as a chronicle of our time in an overused cliché. The journalist gathered an astonishing amount of detail and mapped out almost four stormy years, during which the world was on the brink of a major war several times.
He gets chills while reading some passages. The book, which became an instant bestseller, details high-level White House meetings attended by Biden and his closest aides. He mentions, for example, how already in October 2021 the heads of the secret services showed the US president and Secretary of State Antony Blinken clear evidence that Russian ruler Vladimir Putin was planning a full-scale invasion. And they revealed to them plans obtained from spies from inside the Kremlin, how his army wants to conquer Ukrainian cities.
“It was as if they secretly entered the tent of the enemy commander and, hunched over maps, examined the number and movement of brigades and the whole planned sequence of invasion on several fronts,” writes Woodward of the secret meeting attended by the top of the American government.
Since then, the reader has been watching the – ultimately futile – effort of American diplomacy to prevent the worst. Even as the world watched virtually live until February 24, 2022, everything was building towards a major invasion, Woodward’s insights and delivery of one behind-the-scenes information after another read like a thorough textbook of modern history and diplomacy at the highest level. It also includes work with public opinion.
For example, the reporter mentions how frustrated the Biden administration was that allies doubted Putin’s plans even before the invasion, despite intelligence reports. She therefore decided to release the alarming information to the media. On December 3, 2021, an article appeared on the front page of The Washington Post with the headline “Russia is planning a massive military offensive against Ukraine, US intelligence warns”, accompanied by maps and satellite images of Russian soldiers stationed at the Ukrainian border.
Woodward is so thorough in the book War that he found out the details of almost every key meeting and phone call of Joe Biden and his important people in the security apparatus. The work is unprecedented and one cannot help but feel that a similar publication could not have been created under Czech conditions. It is hard to imagine that local politicians would be so open to any journalist’s dictaphone and would not be afraid to reveal the most sensitive details from closed negotiations.
The second part of the War is devoted mainly to the Middle East and Israel’s struggles with the terrorist movement Hamas. Here, too, Woodward obtained remarkable behind-the-scenes information. Even if the previous pages set the bar high, the reader will certainly not be bored when describing a slightly more distant conflict for the Czechs.
The doyen of American journalism also wedged into the book about Biden’s diplomacy a man who withdrew into himself during the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and while he can’t admit that he lost in 2020, he is planning a big comeback on the golf courses. The story of the book, which was published almost on the eve of the American elections, the American voters answer for the author. They sent Donald Trump to the White House again last Tuesday.
Woodward has written four books about Trump, conducted dozens of hours of interviews with him in recent years, and certainly does not spare him. Two months before the start of his second term, he openly warns against him: “Donald Trump is not only not a suitable candidate for president, he is not even fit to lead the country. He was far worse than the demonstrably criminal president Richard Nixon. Trump ruled with fear and anger. And indifference to the public and national interest.”
– What insights does Bob Woodward provide about the role of intelligence in preventing conflicts in his book “War”?
Interview: The Insights of Journalism and War with Bob Woodward Expert
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the honour of talking with Dr. Sarah Michaels, a well-respected historian and expert in American foreign policy. She recently reviewed Bob Woodward’s latest work, War, which delves into the intricate diplomatic maneuvers leading up to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Michaels!
Dr. Michaels: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Bob Woodward is an iconic figure in journalism, known for his investigative work. What stands out to you in his portrayal of the events leading to the invasion of Ukraine?
Dr. Michaels: One of the most striking elements in War is Woodward’s meticulous detail. He has conducted hundreds of hours of interviews with key figures, capturing the tense atmosphere in high-level meetings. His ability to present complex discussions clearly and engagingly makes the reader feel as if they are right there in the room.
Editor: Indeed, he does have a unique way of weaving narrative and fact. He emphasizes the intelligence reports that forewarned President Biden about Putin’s plans. How pivotal do you think these warnings were, and did they influence the administration’s actions leading up to the invasion?
Dr. Michaels: Absolutely! The intelligence briefings were critical. Woodward describes a scene where the heads of the secret services laid out clear evidence of Putin’s intentions. This was not merely speculation; it was a direct insight into the Kremlin’s strategies. Biden’s administration grappled with public doubt about those intelligence assessments. The subsequent decision to go public with this information was, as Woodward describes, an effort to rally both allies and public opinion—a complex but necessary move in diplomacy.
Editor: You mentioned public opinion, which is fascinating. Woodward discusses the administration’s frustration with allies not believing the imminent threat. What does this say about the dynamics of international relations prior to such a significant event?
Dr. Michaels: It highlights a fundamental challenge in modern diplomacy: the difficulty of convincing allies of an unseen threat. Even with strong intelligence backing those assessments, skepticism persisted. Woodward’s account illustrates how critical communication is, not just among allies but also in the public domain. The media release of intelligence was a strategic move to create a unified front against the backdrop of an unprecedented crisis, leading to the idea that we were watching history unfold in real time.
Editor: Woodward’s book not only recounts events but also offers deep insights into the psyche of leaders during a crisis. How do you think this contributes to our understanding of leadership in times of conflict?
Dr. Michaels: Leadership in crises often reveals the profound weight of decision-making under pressure. Woodward does a fantastic job of capturing Biden’s struggles, balancing diplomatic efforts with the gravity of military action. This duality of leadership—assuring allies while confronting a belligerent adversary—offers readers a nuanced view of the psychological burden leaders carry, which is seldom highlighted in casual discussions about foreign policy.
Editor: As we reflect on the book and the events it chronicles, what do you believe is the most significant takeaway for readers, particularly in relation to future conflicts?
Dr. Michaels: The most significant takeaway is the importance of preparation and transparency in international relations. As Woodward illustrates, the cost of misinformation and doubt can be catastrophic. Nations must prioritize open lines of communication and understanding of intelligence—both in political realms and public perceptions—if we are to navigate future conflicts more effectively.
Editor: That’s an insightful perspective, Dr. Michaels. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Bob Woodward’s War and its implications for our understanding of modern conflicts and diplomacy. It’s been a pleasure discussing these critical issues with you.
Dr. Michaels: Thank you! I enjoyed our conversation and the opportunity to delve deeper into these vital topics.