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The Great Rift: Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, and the Broken Friendship That Defined an Era
The Great Rift is a sweeping history of the intertwined careers of Dick Cheney and Colin Powell, whose rivalry and conflicting views of U.S. national security color our political debate to this day.
Dick Cheney and Colin Powell emerged on the national scene more than thirty years ago, and it is easy to forget that they were once allies. The two men collaborated closely in the successful American wars in Panama and Iraq during the presidency of George H. W. Bush--but from this pinnacle, conflicts of ideology and sensibility drove them apart. Returning to government service under George W. Bush in 2001, they (and their respective allies within the administration) fell into ever-deepening antagonism over the role America should play in a world marked by terrorism and other nontraditional threats.
In a wide-ranging, deeply researched, and dramatic narrative, James Mann explores each man’s biography and philosophical predispositions to show how and why this deep and permanent rupture occurred. Through dozens of original interviews and surprising revelations from presidential archives, he brings to life the very human story of how this influential friendship turned so sour and how the enmity of these two powerful men colored the way America acts in the world.
Dick Cheney and Colin Powell emerged on the national scene more than thirty years ago, and it is easy to forget that they were once allies. The two men collaborated closely in the successful American wars in Panama and Iraq during the presidency of George H. W. Bush--but from this pinnacle, conflicts of ideology and sensibility drove them apart. Returning to government service under George W. Bush in 2001, they (and their respective allies within the administration) fell into ever-deepening antagonism over the role America should play in a world marked by terrorism and other nontraditional threats.
In a wide-ranging, deeply researched, and dramatic narrative, James Mann explores each man’s biography and philosophical predispositions to show how and why this deep and permanent rupture occurred. Through dozens of original interviews and surprising revelations from presidential archives, he brings to life the very human story of how this influential friendship turned so sour and how the enmity of these two powerful men colored the way America acts in the world.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published January 14, 2020
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241 people want to read
About the author
James Mann
7 books32 followersJames Mann is the author of six books on American politics and national security issues, including Rise of the Vulcans: The History of Bush’s War Cabinet and The Obamians: The Struggle Inside the White House to Redefine American Power. A longtime correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, he is currently a fellow in residence at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. He lives in Washington, D.C.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 23, 2019
The Great Rift: Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, and the Broken Friendship That Defined an Era by James Mann is a book I requested and the review is voluntary. I learned a lot about both men in this book. I did have a 'rock star' view of Colin Powell until he lied about the pictures but I found out in the book he had his hands in dirty places in the Iran/Contra affair which I didn't know and he was pardoned for. I knew a lot of people were pardoned and that the guilty went to the VP but claimed not to the President. Just watching the news is enough to see shady dealings with Dick Chaney, his oil company, and more. Reading this book you get a look behind the scenes and see he planned for a very long time to give the President a lot of power like he had designs on it in advance. It didn't matter how he got what he wanted either. The story tells how each grows up, which is totally opposite and how they end up meeting and working together. Rumsfield and other key actors are in there too with comments on how they interacted with those people.
This book was not only a wonderful view into the two men's lives but a good history lesson to boot. I loved the easy writing style which made understanding the situations and men easier.
This book was not only a wonderful view into the two men's lives but a good history lesson to boot. I loved the easy writing style which made understanding the situations and men easier.
December 19, 2019
The last book I read about dealing with former Vice President Dick Cheney was Peter Baker's great work Days of Fire: Bush and Cheney in the White House which told the story of Cheney's relationship with former President George W. Bush. James Mann's book tells the story of the relationship between Cheney and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. This excellent book chronicles their 40 years of public service from the Vietnam era to the Second Bush Administration. Mann does a great job showing how Powell's and Cheney's views on government and foreign policy have mostly stayed consistent throughout their careers. Powell, since his service in Vietnam, tended to be hesitant in advocating for military force while Cheney, who never served, took the opposite position. Mann writes how they became friends during the Reagan administration. However the rest of the book, as the title states, answers the following question: What happened between Cheney and Powell? If you are like me then you think the cause was the Second Iraq War which ended their partnership. Mann argues that Iraq was important but that the roots of the rift started a decade prior. In one sentence the answer is this: It's nothing personal it's just politics. Read the book to learn more.
Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for the free ARC copy in exchange for a honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for the free ARC copy in exchange for a honest review.
July 5, 2022
In the first place this is a description of US foreign policy in the time of Reagan's 2nd term and the 3 Bush terms. Well researched and well told, it is a fascinating read.
Secondly it is a morality tale. There once was a sensible president Bush who was fortunate enough to have Colin Powell and Dick Cheney to work for him, and the 3 of them did great things by working as friends. They ejected Iraq from Kuwait, and dealt with the end of the Soviet Union.
Then hubris set in. The foolish president Bush had Dick Cheney work for him with enormous ambition to bestride the globe, at cross purposes with Colin Powell who also worked for him but had remained conservative and careful or perhaps became even more so. So that became the era of never-ending war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Secondly it is a morality tale. There once was a sensible president Bush who was fortunate enough to have Colin Powell and Dick Cheney to work for him, and the 3 of them did great things by working as friends. They ejected Iraq from Kuwait, and dealt with the end of the Soviet Union.
Then hubris set in. The foolish president Bush had Dick Cheney work for him with enormous ambition to bestride the globe, at cross purposes with Colin Powell who also worked for him but had remained conservative and careful or perhaps became even more so. So that became the era of never-ending war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
February 24, 2020
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The Great Rift: Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, and the Broken Friendship That Defined an Era by James Mann tells about the careers of the two men and how they constantly intertwine since the 1970s. Mr. Mann wrote several books about politics and national security issues.
I always admired Colin Powell, and had a healthy respect of Dick Cheney, but I never had any idea that the two worked closely together for decades, or that they were great friends. The Great Rift: Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, and the Broken Friendship That Defined an Era by James Mann tries to analyze this friendly, cordial, yet complex relationship between the two powerful men.
The book follows 4 decades of public service, from Mr. Powel’s service in Vietnam and Mr. Cheney’s entrance to government, to the administration of George W. Bush (43). The two men became great friends, but fell apart in later years.
While Cheney’s career was made in the halls of power in Washington, Powell witnessed the Army’s actions in Vietnam and the sting of it. Cheney was always remote, but Powell’s personal warmth helped him immensely. The two men, however, both possess great bureaucratic prowess, and a talent to find powerful mentors who pushed them, and gave them the tools to succeed.
Serving together under President George H. W. Bush (41), the two men saw eye to eye. Mr. Cheney was the Secretary of Defense, while Powell was Head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The two orchestrated a textbook implementation of the Powell Doctrine (a clear objective, overwhelming force, and political backing) of the war.
The narrative tells of how the two man fell apart during the presidency of George W. Bush (43) and his 2003 push to invade Iraq. It was depressing to read how a great man like Collin Powell was unable to muster political courage and moral valor which were necessary to counteract Dick Cheney’s plans. While reading this part I could only wonder what would have happened if Powell resigned in protest during those times, even though hindsight is 20/20 and I’m sure Mr. Powell felt he needed to be next to the inexperienced President instead of simply leaving.
To this day I remember Mr. Powell’s speech to the UN, I was watching it with my father, both of us had tremendous respect for h im. At end, my father turned to me and said: “even he doesn’t believe it”.
I remember during the 2000 election, those who decided to vote for Bush said it was because of “the team he’s putting together”. Many people thought that if Bush (43) would make a mistake, a bunch of seasoned professionals would be there to step in and save the day. Colin Powell was viewed as the leader of that group, but as the book points out this was not to be the case.
The Great Rift: Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, and the Broken Friendship That Defined an Era by James Mann tells about the careers of the two men and how they constantly intertwine since the 1970s. Mr. Mann wrote several books about politics and national security issues.
I always admired Colin Powell, and had a healthy respect of Dick Cheney, but I never had any idea that the two worked closely together for decades, or that they were great friends. The Great Rift: Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, and the Broken Friendship That Defined an Era by James Mann tries to analyze this friendly, cordial, yet complex relationship between the two powerful men.
The book follows 4 decades of public service, from Mr. Powel’s service in Vietnam and Mr. Cheney’s entrance to government, to the administration of George W. Bush (43). The two men became great friends, but fell apart in later years.
While Cheney’s career was made in the halls of power in Washington, Powell witnessed the Army’s actions in Vietnam and the sting of it. Cheney was always remote, but Powell’s personal warmth helped him immensely. The two men, however, both possess great bureaucratic prowess, and a talent to find powerful mentors who pushed them, and gave them the tools to succeed.
Serving together under President George H. W. Bush (41), the two men saw eye to eye. Mr. Cheney was the Secretary of Defense, while Powell was Head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The two orchestrated a textbook implementation of the Powell Doctrine (a clear objective, overwhelming force, and political backing) of the war.
The narrative tells of how the two man fell apart during the presidency of George W. Bush (43) and his 2003 push to invade Iraq. It was depressing to read how a great man like Collin Powell was unable to muster political courage and moral valor which were necessary to counteract Dick Cheney’s plans. While reading this part I could only wonder what would have happened if Powell resigned in protest during those times, even though hindsight is 20/20 and I’m sure Mr. Powell felt he needed to be next to the inexperienced President instead of simply leaving.
To this day I remember Mr. Powell’s speech to the UN, I was watching it with my father, both of us had tremendous respect for h im. At end, my father turned to me and said: “even he doesn’t believe it”.
I remember during the 2000 election, those who decided to vote for Bush said it was because of “the team he’s putting together”. Many people thought that if Bush (43) would make a mistake, a bunch of seasoned professionals would be there to step in and save the day. Colin Powell was viewed as the leader of that group, but as the book points out this was not to be the case.
January 24, 2023
The George W. Bush administration was infamous, controversial and, most of all, a failure. My verdict would have been taken as what my people call 'bad belle' ('ating in contemporary parlance) if it was made before that administration took office. After all, he had inherited an economy that was poised to leave rivals—Japan and the EU—in the dust. Most importantly, he drew on a deep pool of experienced administrators to serve in his cabinet.
This dual biography of Gen. Colin Powell and Mr Dick Cheney, towering figures of American triumph in the 20th century, grants insights into why the 'atuhs were correct and the boosters not.
Mr Mann is a practised hand, and the saga, such as it were, unspools with pulsating rapidity. I daresay boredom is an impossibility. One thumbs past the final page with a measure of respect for the talents of both men. Although I'm fairly certain the author is, to borrow his term, team Powell. And I can understand that assessment.
Yet, while I respect both men's achievements, I remain opposed to all they stood for (RIP, legends). Lessons learned will, of course, differ depending on preconceptions before reading it. Believers in the righteousness of American hegemony will be consoled by the earnest attempts to correct the immense errors that Mr Cheney led and Gen. Powell silently observed. Supporters of America the unexceptional might instead conclude that it is precisely that fanatical belief that will ensure that past mistakes endure and make even larger ones inevitable.
I recommend reading Mr Mann's earlier book on The Vulcans and pairing that with The Bomb by Fred Kaplan. The lessons remain the same: The allies are craven; checks and balances exist in an idealised vacuum, and the administration extremists will always prevail.
For a brief moment, the Americans had learnt in Vietnam that foreigners were a bit more than blank pages on which officials wrote their legacy. That lesson did not endure because far too many are willing to condemn America, but fewer still to learn from Americans.
But I'd rather not detract from Mr Mann's excellent job. It is a fitting tribute to two men who represented the USA as Janus: Inspiring and repulsive! For better and worse, both men changed the world. That isn't such a bad thing.
This dual biography of Gen. Colin Powell and Mr Dick Cheney, towering figures of American triumph in the 20th century, grants insights into why the 'atuhs were correct and the boosters not.
Mr Mann is a practised hand, and the saga, such as it were, unspools with pulsating rapidity. I daresay boredom is an impossibility. One thumbs past the final page with a measure of respect for the talents of both men. Although I'm fairly certain the author is, to borrow his term, team Powell. And I can understand that assessment.
Yet, while I respect both men's achievements, I remain opposed to all they stood for (RIP, legends). Lessons learned will, of course, differ depending on preconceptions before reading it. Believers in the righteousness of American hegemony will be consoled by the earnest attempts to correct the immense errors that Mr Cheney led and Gen. Powell silently observed. Supporters of America the unexceptional might instead conclude that it is precisely that fanatical belief that will ensure that past mistakes endure and make even larger ones inevitable.
I recommend reading Mr Mann's earlier book on The Vulcans and pairing that with The Bomb by Fred Kaplan. The lessons remain the same: The allies are craven; checks and balances exist in an idealised vacuum, and the administration extremists will always prevail.
For a brief moment, the Americans had learnt in Vietnam that foreigners were a bit more than blank pages on which officials wrote their legacy. That lesson did not endure because far too many are willing to condemn America, but fewer still to learn from Americans.
But I'd rather not detract from Mr Mann's excellent job. It is a fitting tribute to two men who represented the USA as Janus: Inspiring and repulsive! For better and worse, both men changed the world. That isn't such a bad thing.
April 4, 2020
Author James Mann presents the intersection of the lives and positions of two variants of late 20th – early 21st century Republican politics – differing methods to project American power, neither of which methods seem to particularly have succeeded. It’s clear to me that author Mann has an increasing disdain for Dick Cheney’s approach to the world – while he seems to significantly prefer the more diplomatic arena in which Colin Powell generally operated. While the author presents what seems to be a thorough description of the political events in which both Cheney and Powell were so deeply involved – and frequently the prime movers behind – it seems to me that something is missing. That is, it seems to me that each of these men, both of whom dedicated their lives to the welfare of the American enterprise, had (and continue to have) what they believe the best interest of their country at heart, even, perhaps especially, despite contrary views and opinions by the few or the many, the powerful or otherwise. For those of us who lived through these times (including the author), national politics was only part of the environment that shaped these times, and perhaps more reference to the economy, culture and social events of this period would enhance this presentation.
January 15, 2021
Though it takes a bit to really pick up narratively, it's an overall good work of diplomatic history that gets particularly compelling when it gets to the sections about the disastrous invasion of Iraq. Mann's contempt for Cheney's hawkish outlook on foreign policy (an outlook that's disturbingly preponderant to this day and espoused by even supposed "anti-globalists") is made clear, but he also doesn't spare Powell any criticisms for knowingly going along with the invasion and making the public case for it despite his better instincts telling him not to. Mann's account of how Powell was consistently bureaucratically outmaneuvered by Cheney is also quite compelling, and even has some parallels with how John Bolton successfully carried the day against Jim Mattis back in 2018.
December 2, 2021
Well written and I learned quite a bit about the two men as well as the way many of the decisions that have been the back drop of my entire adult life. I was 18 in 2001.
While well written, easy to follow and I did find it slightly boring. But for treating both men as humans, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in each, I bumped it up a star.
While well written, easy to follow and I did find it slightly boring. But for treating both men as humans, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in each, I bumped it up a star.
February 2, 2020
The author of Rise of the Vulcans strikes again with this book detailing Vice President Cheney's approach to executive power versus Colin Powell consensus coalition avoid war approach. What a great read.
September 6, 2020
Not much new information here. Just very sad that they and others led the US from a height of power and prosperity to creating an environment where Trump is even possible. With many others contributing along the way.
June 1, 2021
Excellent review of the relationship between these two men. Usefully explains their strengths and weaknesses and punctures some myths (such as the idea that Cheney's personality drastically changed after heart surgery)
January 5, 2022
Enjoyed this detailed account of the roles and interactions of General Powell and Vice President Dick Cheney through multiple administrations. Was recommended on a podcast by Newt Gingrich and didn't disappoint.
February 20, 2020
3.5 stars. This was a decent read, but considering the topic, it could have been better.
March 12, 2020
Painful as it is to revisit the debacle of the G W Bush years, this book provides the backstory and context by describing the impact of two key figures of that era: Cheney and Powell.
July 18, 2020
Quite enlightening view of a time in history that I lived through, but remember very little. Well worth reading if you enjoy history. Tremendous detail and insight.
June 2, 2024
This book shares about the Powell and Cheney relationship on the backdrop of a much broader take on American politics and history from the Vietnam through Iraq wars. It’s a great read.
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January 30, 2020Please. I open a book,check it’s contents, look for information in the rear and you declare that I have finished the book. I haven’t started!!!!! STOP
September 10, 2024
Very good history read. I would’ve given it five stars but it just got a little long a bit repetitive
good treatment of their relationship Rising stars, working together, and drifting apart, based on their philosophies.
I learned much about Chaney and Rumsfeld. I heard Colin Powell speak twice. He was very engaging quite entertaining. Reading about Powell confirmed To me that he was a great leader, a great statesman, and I wish he would’ve run for president. That’s all water under the bridge. As he said “I’ll turn 80 my first week in office”
good treatment of their relationship Rising stars, working together, and drifting apart, based on their philosophies.
I learned much about Chaney and Rumsfeld. I heard Colin Powell speak twice. He was very engaging quite entertaining. Reading about Powell confirmed To me that he was a great leader, a great statesman, and I wish he would’ve run for president. That’s all water under the bridge. As he said “I’ll turn 80 my first week in office”
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews