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Colin Powell: Imperfect Patriot
For the past three decades, Colin Powell has been among America's most trusted and admired leaders. This biography demonstrates that Powell's decades-long development as an exemplary subordinate is crucial to understanding his astonishing rise from a working-class immigrant neighborhood to the highest echelons of military and political power.Once an aimless, ambitionless teenager who barely graduated from college, Powell became an extraordinarily effective and staunchly loyal subordinate to many powerful superiors who, in turn, helped to advance his career. By the time Powell became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he had developed into the consummate follower--motivated, competent, composed, honorable, and independent. The quality of Powell's followership faltered at times, however, while in Vietnam, during the Iran-Contra scandal, and after he became George W. Bush's secretary of state. Powell proved a fallible patriot, and in the course of a long and distinguished career he made some grave and consequential errors in judgment. While those blunders do not erase the significance of his commendable achievements amid decades of public service, they are failures nonetheless.Imperfect Patriot is the fascinating story of Powell's professional life, and of what we can learn from both his good and bad followership. The book is written for a broad readership, and will be of special interest to readers of military history, political biography, and leadership.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 15, 2020
Nonfiction, political bio of Colin Powell from Army cadet to secretary of state.
A detailed account of the military and political career of Colin Powell. The author makes the argument that Powell was not so much a leader in his career, as much as he was a follower of those in power. Servant-leadership, the right hand man, the hand of the king. This style could be confused as the general philosophy of a good soldier (whether commissioned officer or enlisted), however this didn’t happen with the current Trump administration as several senior officials both in civilian government and the military left the President’s staff gladly, angrily, or both. If a senior official didn’t like the ethics or direction of their senior leadership, they resigned. General Powell, even if he didn’t like the direction of superiors, kept going. While in the military, this thinking made sense for one is only on assigned duty for so long; however failure to make that distinction in the civilian world and either remove oneself from the rot or condemn the powers that be in the hope to make change is peculiar, especially for someone as popular as Powell. The author makes several key points to flip the narrative that Powell was a ‘victim’ of the bullies in the second Bush dynasty—namely Cheney and Rumsfeld—however what separates this author’s analysis from others is that he recalls other incidents from the General’s past to strengthen his argument, such as Powell’s involvement in the cover up of the My Lai massacre and the Iran-Contra scandal. This wasn’t the General’s first time following orders to cover the faults of his bosses or his fellow government peers.
The strength of the author’s analysis comes from the layering of events and repeated notion that the former secretary of state’s charisma and popularity came from his ability to concur with those in power. Whether that be through his superiors in the Army or Reagan, Clinton, or Bush. Past media comparisons to other military leaders, such as Eisenhower, fall short only because there doesn’t appear to be a strong, political stance from Powell. The former secretary of state was a moderate, to say the least, who tried to do the ‘right thing’ for the good of the country. There are plenty examples of how his servant-leadership/followership led to the success of many units during his time in the military, and his reputation as a ‘right-hand man’ or a decisive bureaucrat in several administrations, however there are multiple, more glaring, examples of how this philosophy can do greater harm than good. This could be a good trait to make friends in Washington and to score a high approval rating in the eyes of the general public. Not being a true member of one’s party or making the moral right move can lead to one’s downfall. The argument that one was ‘only following orders’ has historically shown to be a weak and immoral argument, a belief that leads to apathy, that leads to atrocities, and leads to the moral downfall of a team or, at large, the state.
Two things this book lacks are a critical insight into the race & gender of General Powell, and the lack of discussion into his personal, family life. The latter could make sense why this is missing—this is a political book, not a true biography, and there is the possibility that Powell requested not to have his family discussed at all. The former, however, plays a huge role into the former secretary’s thinking. How did his first generation background play into his early career in the Army and his decision making in his civilian life? How did his parents’ West Indies culture and philosophy differ from that of Black Americans during that era? What about civil rights? What about the dichotomy of Powell’s closeness to Whiteness and White supremacist structures? What about his respectability politics in the midst of the Civil Rights movement? As displayed in other media, such as Charles Fuller’s play A Soldier’s Story, what could be argued as blind loyalty and obedience was a form of survival for many Black Americans during this time period, a way to get ahead in a white supremacist country. An analysis on that aspect of his life, in conjunction with say his contemporaries or activists during that era, would be just as interesting to read. Dr. Cynthia A. Young’s essay, “Black Ops: Black Masculinity and the War on Terror,” touches on this with Powell’s U.N. presentation.
If one were to read this book solely without reviewing other biographies, the lack of discussion on his race, marriage, kids or other relationships throughout the years—it would seem that Powell did everything alone; in both decision making and life, making the General appear more of a supporting character in a biopic rather than a human being morally wrestling with serving a country that, without the starch uniform, viewed Black people as inferior to whites. However—based on some articles of the author—this may be just one of the few books that he has planned on Powell, and that a whole biography is forthcoming.
Perhaps one of the most critical and formed readings of Colin Powell yet. I have not read the other bios about him (just Powell’s own My American Journey), and this is perhaps the freshest take of Powell in media form; one that stripes away the stalwart military veteran who tried to do the right thing against comic book political villains (as seen in films W. and Vice). Instead, the author reaches for more. We are given the portrait of a man who follows the powerful, one who placed loyalty and duty for the good of the country above all, only for it to tarnish his whitewashed reputation and lead to the quagmire of the Iraq war. A forever war and an economic sinkhole which led to the slow decline of U.S. power and part of why the country is in the political shape it is today.
A detailed account of the military and political career of Colin Powell. The author makes the argument that Powell was not so much a leader in his career, as much as he was a follower of those in power. Servant-leadership, the right hand man, the hand of the king. This style could be confused as the general philosophy of a good soldier (whether commissioned officer or enlisted), however this didn’t happen with the current Trump administration as several senior officials both in civilian government and the military left the President’s staff gladly, angrily, or both. If a senior official didn’t like the ethics or direction of their senior leadership, they resigned. General Powell, even if he didn’t like the direction of superiors, kept going. While in the military, this thinking made sense for one is only on assigned duty for so long; however failure to make that distinction in the civilian world and either remove oneself from the rot or condemn the powers that be in the hope to make change is peculiar, especially for someone as popular as Powell. The author makes several key points to flip the narrative that Powell was a ‘victim’ of the bullies in the second Bush dynasty—namely Cheney and Rumsfeld—however what separates this author’s analysis from others is that he recalls other incidents from the General’s past to strengthen his argument, such as Powell’s involvement in the cover up of the My Lai massacre and the Iran-Contra scandal. This wasn’t the General’s first time following orders to cover the faults of his bosses or his fellow government peers.
The strength of the author’s analysis comes from the layering of events and repeated notion that the former secretary of state’s charisma and popularity came from his ability to concur with those in power. Whether that be through his superiors in the Army or Reagan, Clinton, or Bush. Past media comparisons to other military leaders, such as Eisenhower, fall short only because there doesn’t appear to be a strong, political stance from Powell. The former secretary of state was a moderate, to say the least, who tried to do the ‘right thing’ for the good of the country. There are plenty examples of how his servant-leadership/followership led to the success of many units during his time in the military, and his reputation as a ‘right-hand man’ or a decisive bureaucrat in several administrations, however there are multiple, more glaring, examples of how this philosophy can do greater harm than good. This could be a good trait to make friends in Washington and to score a high approval rating in the eyes of the general public. Not being a true member of one’s party or making the moral right move can lead to one’s downfall. The argument that one was ‘only following orders’ has historically shown to be a weak and immoral argument, a belief that leads to apathy, that leads to atrocities, and leads to the moral downfall of a team or, at large, the state.
Two things this book lacks are a critical insight into the race & gender of General Powell, and the lack of discussion into his personal, family life. The latter could make sense why this is missing—this is a political book, not a true biography, and there is the possibility that Powell requested not to have his family discussed at all. The former, however, plays a huge role into the former secretary’s thinking. How did his first generation background play into his early career in the Army and his decision making in his civilian life? How did his parents’ West Indies culture and philosophy differ from that of Black Americans during that era? What about civil rights? What about the dichotomy of Powell’s closeness to Whiteness and White supremacist structures? What about his respectability politics in the midst of the Civil Rights movement? As displayed in other media, such as Charles Fuller’s play A Soldier’s Story, what could be argued as blind loyalty and obedience was a form of survival for many Black Americans during this time period, a way to get ahead in a white supremacist country. An analysis on that aspect of his life, in conjunction with say his contemporaries or activists during that era, would be just as interesting to read. Dr. Cynthia A. Young’s essay, “Black Ops: Black Masculinity and the War on Terror,” touches on this with Powell’s U.N. presentation.
If one were to read this book solely without reviewing other biographies, the lack of discussion on his race, marriage, kids or other relationships throughout the years—it would seem that Powell did everything alone; in both decision making and life, making the General appear more of a supporting character in a biopic rather than a human being morally wrestling with serving a country that, without the starch uniform, viewed Black people as inferior to whites. However—based on some articles of the author—this may be just one of the few books that he has planned on Powell, and that a whole biography is forthcoming.
Perhaps one of the most critical and formed readings of Colin Powell yet. I have not read the other bios about him (just Powell’s own My American Journey), and this is perhaps the freshest take of Powell in media form; one that stripes away the stalwart military veteran who tried to do the right thing against comic book political villains (as seen in films W. and Vice). Instead, the author reaches for more. We are given the portrait of a man who follows the powerful, one who placed loyalty and duty for the good of the country above all, only for it to tarnish his whitewashed reputation and lead to the quagmire of the Iraq war. A forever war and an economic sinkhole which led to the slow decline of U.S. power and part of why the country is in the political shape it is today.
October 19, 2021
"Imperfect Patriot" reads a bit like a psychological profile. It recounts Powell's upbringing and career, culminating in Powell's role in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq (which this book covers in the last two chapters), and makes the case that Powell's role in the affair were the product of a loyal, deferential mindset that would only dissent up to a certain point. It references multiple incidents throughout Powell's career in which he went along with policies that he had good reason to suspect were ill-conceived or morally/legally questionable. Among them were his participation in the My Lai investigation as an Army Captain or Major, his knowledge of the Iran-Contra Affair, the advice he gave to President Clinton regarding the military intervention in Somalia, and the debate over the Iraqi WMD program.
It's difficult to paint an accurate picture of anyone based on a handful of incidents, but "Imperfect Patriot" does show a consistent pattern of behavior running through Powell's career. It also includes new information about Powell's actions in Iran Contra and the My Lai investigation, information which shows that Powell more actively worked to protect his superiors and conceal the truth in both instances than I was aware of. I have always respected Colin Powell, so this new information dulls his shine quite a bit.
It's difficult to paint an accurate picture of anyone based on a handful of incidents, but "Imperfect Patriot" does show a consistent pattern of behavior running through Powell's career. It also includes new information about Powell's actions in Iran Contra and the My Lai investigation, information which shows that Powell more actively worked to protect his superiors and conceal the truth in both instances than I was aware of. I have always respected Colin Powell, so this new information dulls his shine quite a bit.
May 1, 2020
“Colin Powell: Imperfect Patriot” by Jeffrey J. Matthews was well-explored, well-written, harsh at times, and insightful. Two parts covered in this biography consisted of Colin Powell’s extraordinary military career and his distinguished civilian career. This biography was written from Matthews point of view and was certainly written from a different perspective than other biographies I have read in the past. Throughout the book, many facts are provided but there are also opinions included as well, at times it appears an undesirable picture is being painted about Powell’s distinguished career spanning four decades. Specifically, decisions Powell made in Vietnam, Iran-Contra Affair, and of course the Iraq-Weapons of Mass Destruction. Keep an open mind when you read this thought-provoking book because there are lessons one can learn pertaining to leadership and followership. A section in the book that stuck with me, and perhaps will with you as well is, “Powell’s story is informative on multiple levels. At different times, he personified many principal qualities of both good and bad followership. His career also demonstrates that effective and ethical followership, as with good leadership, is learned and developed over time and is reliant on the influence of others, including mentors, role models, and superiors.” Reading this book, reiterates the importance of having mentors and role models. I am optimistic and believe everyone works hard to become the best in their profession; however, mistakes will be made, and one can only learn from those mistakes and try hard not make the same mistakes. No one is perfect. I felt this biography was particularly strong in the area of research and historical data. As you read the book, you will notice the extent of research Matthews devoted to this biography. There are some books referenced, I have added to my personal reading list. I give “Colin Powell: Imperfect Patriot” a 5/5. I really enjoyed reading this well-studied, well-authored, insightful book despite the harsh opinions. I highly recommend government employees, i.e., military and civilian, and most importantly those who want to be better leaders, to read this thought-provoking book. I will be reading this book again at the end of the year.
April 25, 2020
5/5 for Jeffrey Matthews book “Colin Powell: Imperfect Patriot.” A conflicting read, and slightly hard to digest as the work looks to encompass both the good & the bad of Powell’s career, personally found it was more so the latter. It divorces itself from the usual narrative of a career public servant with over 4 decades or service with one of the highest approval ratings in history. The book has two parts: military & civilian years and focuses on three specific events: Vietnam, Iran-contra and Iraq-WMD.
As a uniformed service member Powell’s career was riddled with high impact billets and many influential mentors helping him along the way. Powell’s mantra of leadership is followership is echoed throughout the book and may be his Achilles heal according to Matthews.
The work supports the case that the most gifted General since World War II is indeed infallible.
At times this work is infuriating, dealing with what seems at times a harsh critique of someone who spent four decades in service to their country. On the other hand, Matthews depicts a Major General who was a critical component of Iran-contra and a Secretary of State that vehemently disagreed behind closed doors about going to war in Iraq but when faced with the likelihood the US would invade Iraq gave the infamous performance of a lifetime in front of the UN using his reputation to achieve public support only to change tactics to capability and intent after overwhelming evidence proved otherwise.
A must read for any military professional, state employee or member of the intelligence community. If you’re looking to follow the usual narrative of the most successful soldier / statesman since Marshall, this book is not that.
A question that can never be answered but one the book left me wondering, “Was the US government better for having had such a leader?” My belief is yes, but Matthews makes a compelling case opposing such a belief.
As a uniformed service member Powell’s career was riddled with high impact billets and many influential mentors helping him along the way. Powell’s mantra of leadership is followership is echoed throughout the book and may be his Achilles heal according to Matthews.
The work supports the case that the most gifted General since World War II is indeed infallible.
At times this work is infuriating, dealing with what seems at times a harsh critique of someone who spent four decades in service to their country. On the other hand, Matthews depicts a Major General who was a critical component of Iran-contra and a Secretary of State that vehemently disagreed behind closed doors about going to war in Iraq but when faced with the likelihood the US would invade Iraq gave the infamous performance of a lifetime in front of the UN using his reputation to achieve public support only to change tactics to capability and intent after overwhelming evidence proved otherwise.
A must read for any military professional, state employee or member of the intelligence community. If you’re looking to follow the usual narrative of the most successful soldier / statesman since Marshall, this book is not that.
A question that can never be answered but one the book left me wondering, “Was the US government better for having had such a leader?” My belief is yes, but Matthews makes a compelling case opposing such a belief.
June 26, 2019
Author Jeffrey J. Matthews takes us through the accomplishments of Colin Powell in the military and in the White House. We see Powell as a leader and advisor what shows “Agreeableness, composure, and integrity, with leading from all kinds of people, including his subordinates.”
The often-used story line about the young person (usually a male) born into poverty (or near-poverty) rises to the highest positions in our government. The theme provides a touch of his early life and his success.
There’s lots of details to make that well-used theme come to life.
Often the book provides more history and detail than those of us who like bio’s The end of the book provides a bit of a surprise about the themes of the earlier chapters.
April 19, 2025
Matthews provides a balanced and strictly professional biography of Powell (his wife and children are not even mentioned). Using Powell's own formulation of leadership and followership, Matthews evaluates his subject generally favorably, but notes significant failings with My Lai, Iran-Contra, and the Iraq War.
December 3, 2022
I’d give it a 3.5 rating. Great information but a scholarly and dry presentation.
January 11, 2024
Such an interesting book about an incredible man & leader.
September 23, 2019
The consummate general, national security advisor, Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of State and Patriot is profiled and on full display in Matthews’ work. Well-researched and full of rich detail, the book seems to be a balanced, albeit critical, review of the Powell’s 40+ years of service. From the Iran Contra Affair to the decision making leading to the ill-fated choice to go to war with Iraq in 2003 in what turned out to be empty justification owing to a lack of finding WMD, Matthews believed, likely falsely, that Powell should have acted more ethically. Many also believe, Matthews among them, that Powell’s loyalty—his own self-described best trait—was a fault in certain circumstances of providing advice when he should have been better guided by his sense of doing the right thing. Matthews makes note of Powell’s followership as an ‘assistant’ and ‘deputy’ in many of his duties throughout his career, contributing to why he was a great leader. Yet ultimately, even the best leaders make mistakes and are fallible, and we can all learn from that.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews