A Life in the American Century

“Joe Nye is a special storyteller. As the Grandmaster of the study of power—soft, hard, and smart—Nye blends ideas, events, and leaders across the prime decades of the American Century in a tale that informs and entertains.” 
Robert Zoellick, former President of the World Bank, US Trade Representative, and Deputy Secretary of State, and author of America in the World: A History of U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign Policy  

“This is a fascinating book from a wonderful person. Through the insightful eyes of Joe Nye as he grows up in the American Century, we get to see the triumphs and challenges of our times unfold, from Vietnam to the present. The result is a reasonable, realistic, yet also idealistic view of our role in the world.” 
Walter Isaacson, Professor of History at Tulane University and former CEO of the Aspen Institute, chair of CNN and editor of Time  

“Joe Nye's wonderful memoir chronicles an intellect, curiosity and career that dazzle. May he write another ten books full of insight and wisdom.”
Jane Harman, Former Congresswoman, Chair of the National Commission on Defense Strategy and author of Insanity Defense  

“From his days growing up on a farm to his rise as a public intellectual, Joe Nye has emerged as one of the wisest thinkers of our times. In this meticulous inside account, he shows just how complex and intellectually challenging life has become for our public leaders. We are blessed that Nye and his many colleagues kept the twentiethan American century.”
David Gergen, Professor Emeritus of Public Service at Harvard University, and former presidential advisor

“Joe Nye is a giant of international relations theory, and is a rare mix of a practitioner and an academic. His contribution is forever etched in textbooks and briefing books.”
Kevin Rudd, former Australian prime minister

“Joe Nye has led a life of service and scholarship like few others. In A Life in the American Century, Nye documents it all—the highs and lows, the heroes and villains, the hard power and the soft power—showing those eager to follow in his footsteps just what it takes to shape one’s country and the wider world.”
John Gans, former Pentagon speechwriter and author of White House Warriors: How the National Security Council Transformed the American Way of War.

"In this deft memoir, Nye shows how his experiences in academia and policymaking illuminate the inner workings of American power—both hard and soft."
Foreign Affairs

“riveting”
The Foreign Service Journal