Six Nightmares: Real Threats in a Dangerous World and How America Can Meet Them

by Anthony Lake

A former National Security Advisor offers a chilling portrait of six terrifying scenarios that threaten the safety and security of the United States, including the rise of global terrorism and the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and describes why and why not the American government is prepared to meet such potential threats. 20,000 first printing.

318 pages, Hardcover

First published October 26, 2000

Reviews

[Nate Cooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anthony Lake's book outlines six potential threats to our nation's national security. Unfortunately the reality of ambigious warfare (chapter 3) has already reared its ugly head...Anthony Lake has unfortunately made himself into somewhat of a prophet. The other chapters are incredibly pertinent also.

As someone who participated in and helped craft major U.S. foreign policy initiatives and decisions, Lake is able to share anecdotal snipets which really bring his subject into focus. I especially enjoyed the chapters on peacekeeping and Washington politics and the experiences Lake was able to share to illustrate his points.

The only negative aspect of the book is that sometimes he can delve into examples where it seems as if he is more interested in vindicating himself than staying focused on the topic. I truly however feel and it is evident in the book that Lake was able (and desired) to remain non-political while writing the book and when he was the National Security Advisor. As he suggests in the book, national security is one issue in which politics and ideology should have the least influence.

[Ronald Wise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author, former National Security Advisor to President Bill Clinton, describes what he sees as the major threats to American society in the near future. Whatever punch this book had in 2000-2001 was overshadowed by the events of 11 September 2001. Although his bioterrorism scenario may prove to be accurate if we ever learn the details of the anthrax attacks of late 2001. In any case, this book provides an interesting insider's perspective of American peace-making and peace-keeping efforts during the Clinton years. This one came to my reading list from the bibliography of Ghost Wars by Steve Coll.

[Christopher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Anthony Lake writes about his time as the National Security Advisor (NSA) through the lens of 6 possible future threat scenarios. This is not about the threats per se but about his time as the NSA. While I found the book a little dull, there are some golden nuggets to be had. First, Lake provides an honest, albeit biased, opinion of the Clinton administration providing both praise and fault with the President. Most interesting is the discussion on peace keeping which has many parallels to today's counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

[Tylerswavely]

Appropriate for our times.