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The Mighty and the Almighty: America, God, and World Affairs Audiobook
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(3.04) - 576 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Does America have a special mission, derived from God, to bring liberty and democracy to the world? How much influence does the Christian right have over U.S. foreign policy? And how should America deal with violent Islamist extremists? Madeleine Albright, the former Secretary of State and bestselling author of Madam Secretary, offers a thoughtful and often surprising look at the role of religion in shaping America's approach to the world.
In The Mighty and the Almighty, Madeleine Albright examines the profound impact of religion on America's view of itself, the effect on U.S. policy of the rise of the Christian right, the Bush administration's successes and failures in responding to 9/11, the challenges posed by the war in Iraq, and the importance of understanding Islam. She offers a balanced but, when necessary, devastating analysis of U.S. strategy, and condemns those of all faiths who exploit religious fervor to create divisions or enhance their own power.
In this illuminating account, Albright argues that, to be effective, U.S. policy makers must understand the power and place of religion in motivating others and in coloring how American actions are perceived. Defying the conventional wisdom, she suggests not only that religion and politics are inseparable, but that their partnership, when properly harnessed, can be a force for justice and peace.
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"An easy to read book from some one who has been part of foreign policy. It was nice to see someone who thinks that you need to put forth moral policies when preaching morality. The simplistic national interest driven foreign policy model always seems to create problems."
— Byron (5 out of 5 stars)
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“An absorbing look at the intersection of world politics and world religion.”
— Booklist (starred review) -
“In this ambitious, thoughtful, and wide-ranging treatment, Albright deftly balances the pragmatic need to confront religious-based unrest and the idealistic need to temper one's own personal beliefs in the public realm.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Surprising…candid…A book that makes an important contribution to the question of how our foreign policy should adjust to the rise of religion worldwide.”
— Washington Post Book World -
“Infused with lively anecdotes and perceptive observations, this is one foreign policy primer we think merits particular attention.”
— Barnes & Noble. editorial review
Awards
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New York Times bestselling author
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A New York Times bestseller
The Mighty and the Almighty Listener Reviews
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" So fascinating that I still haven't gotten my copy back from a colleague to whom I loaned it. I think it's making the rounds. "
— Melissa, 2/19/2014 -
" A good insight into Christianity and how American religion effects its foreign affairs. I really enjoyed Albrights thoughts and found myself agreeing with alot of her arguments. "
— Amanda, 2/19/2014 -
" The former Secretary of State makes an interesting point - we in the west need to include an understanding of Islam to bring peace to the world. Albright goes on and on and on - if you can get this book in outline form, you will get the point and save a lot of time. "
— Nicole, 2/9/2014 -
" It was interesting to read her view of the US foreign policy. Especially her views on the Bush administration. Can you tell I'm a democrat? "
— Janet, 2/4/2014 -
" It would be a great if she ever ran for president. "
— Amelia, 1/30/2014 -
" An interesting and informed view on the meshing - sometimes dangerously so - of religion and politics and how American politics have lately abandoned the separation of church and state under the Bush administration. "
— Shannon, 1/23/2014 -
" Very impressive to hear an American politician explain her searching and understanding for other religions and people. "
— Peter, 1/17/2014 -
" Great read for any fellow-Albright lovers out there (who long for days gone by...) "
— Jenny, 1/15/2014 -
" I was shocked at how much I liked this book! She pieced together how religion has affected politics and the world...very well written! "
— Nicole, 12/26/2013 -
" how hard to balance politics and religion "
— Shirley, 12/23/2013 -
" Great read. Discusses some of the tensions that existed during her tenure as Secretary of State. "
— Denise, 12/10/2013 -
" This was a truly good read that offers "food for thought" regarding the role God and the gods play in international history and decisions. "
— Lynn, 12/7/2013 -
" Read this for my Religion & IR seminar. A bit of gratuitous "I told you so" to the Bush administration, but that's hard to resist. She looks at religious motivated conflict, especially in the middle east and emphasizes the need for foreign policy makers to study and factor in religion. "
— Marian, 12/4/2013 -
" This book will help you understand so much about how we might be able to redirect our country and our world! She should have been president. This should be mandatory reading for high school and college political science classes. "
— Sara, 8/10/2013 -
" A worthy read...don't have to agree, but sure makes a person think about how things 'could be'... "
— Jean, 6/16/2013 -
" Madeline Albright is one of my most trusted sources on politics because she has two things that I really admire: experience and a focus on education like you have to read to believe. "
— Becca, 3/1/2013 -
" Madeline Albright's perspective on politics, international relations and religion....too bad she's no longer working for the government! "
— Randi, 8/22/2011 -
" Exactly what you would expect. Nothing new or revolutionary. Much like when reading Clinton's book, I find it amazing how benevolent these politians come off sounding. But, I guess they aren't going to write about all the people's lives they fucked up. "
— Julia, 2/18/2011 -
" Madeleine Albright is a brilliant woman if you believe in her politics or not. Her insight into the separation (or lack thereof) of church and state prove to be spot on in a post Bush administration. "
— Lee, 6/26/2010 -
" very interesting and insightful, don't agree with everything she says, but I have a lot of respect for her "
— Christine, 4/21/2010 -
" A worthy read...don't have to agree, but sure makes a person think about how things 'could be'... "
— Jean, 1/7/2010 -
" A good insight into Christianity and how American religion effects its foreign affairs. I really enjoyed Albrights thoughts and found myself agreeing with alot of her arguments. "
— Amanda, 10/23/2009 -
" The woman is a genius! "
— Brien, 8/30/2009 -
" uhh. slow going. Book club pick. Not sure why. "
— Sandra, 2/11/2009 -
" As a political junkie, anything by Ms. Albright is on my "must read" list. This was a great view of the complexity of world affairs as seen through the eyes of someone who has been privy to all the information, that we citizens have not. "
— Rebecca, 12/5/2008 -
" Not as reflective as I would have hoped, but was pleasantly surprised by Albright's humanity (though she was annoyingly self-serving and prudish at times). Not a bad book, but it could have used a little spice. "
— Jessica, 10/14/2008
About Madeleine Albright
Madeleine Albright (1937-2022) served as America’s sixty-fourth secretary of state from 1997 to 2001, the first woman to hold that position. Her distinguished career also includes positions on Capitol Hill, on the National Security Council, and as US ambassador to the United Nations. She also wrote several New York Times bestselling books.