The Triumph of Improvisation: Gorbachev's Adaptability, Reagan's Engagement, and the End of the Cold War
"Wilson is sparing and careful in his judgments; some are astute, others more contestable." (Stephen Hayward,National Review)"A better assessment is that of James Graham Wilson in 'The Triumph of Improvisation,'"(David Hoffman,Washington Post)"an entertaining new account of how the Cold War finished" (Richard Gowan,Politico)"a fresh and valuable look at the end of the cold war" (Robert Zoellick,Financial Times)"The Triumph of Improvisationis an important book. James Graham Wilson's research is both deep and broad—in a wide range of archival, online, and published sources from several different countries. Much of this material has not been tapped by previous scholars. The writing is accomplished, the narrative smooth, the organization effective, and the analysis sophisticated."—Robert J. McMahon, Ralph D. Mershon Distinguished Professor of History, The Ohio State University, author ofThe Limits of Empire: The United States and Southeast Asia since World War II"I can think of few if any books that so comprehensively describe White House policymaking toward the Soviets, with an eye toward Reagan's confounding leadership style, asThe Triumph of Improvisation. James Graham Wilson's impressive archival work really shines through in his analysis of the Reagan years."—Jeffrey A. Engel, Southern Methodist University, author ofThe China Diary of George H. W. Bush: The Making of a Global President