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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Why is democracy so threatened in America and around the world? And what can we do about it? A former White House aide and close confidant to President Barack Obama—and the author of The World as It Is—travels the globe in a deeply personal, beautifully observed quest for answers.In 2017, as Ben Rhodes was helping Barack Obama begin his next chapter, the legacy they had worked to build for eight years was being taken apart. To understand what was happening in America, Rhodes decided to look outward. Over the next three years, he traveled to dozens of countries, meeting with politicians, activists, and dissidents confronting the same nationalism and authoritarianism that was tearing America apart. Along the way, a Russian opposition leader he spoke with was poisoned, the Hong Kong protesters he came to know saw their movement snuffed out, and America itself reached the precipice of losing democracy before giving itself a second chance.Part memoir and part reportage, After the Fall is a hugely ambitious and essential work of discovery. In his travels, Rhodes comes to realize how much America’s fingerprints are on a world we helped to shape, through our post–Cold War embrace of unbridled capitalism and our post-9/11 nationalism and militarism; our mania for technology and social media; and the racism that fueled the backlash to America’s first Black president. At the same time, Rhodes learns from the stories of a diverse set of characters—from Barack Obama himself to Cuban rebels to a rising generation of international leaders—that looking squarely at where America has gone wrong makes clear how essential it is to fight for what America is supposed to be, for our own country and the entire world.

After the Fall: Being American in the World We've Made is a thought-provoking and insightful book by Ben Rhodes, a former National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama. The book delves into the complex challenges and consequences of American dominance in the 21st century, shedding light on the country's role in shaping the global order.

Rhodes draws upon his firsthand experiences in the Obama administration to provide a nuanced perspective on the decisions and actions that shaped U.S. foreign policy during that era. He offers a candid assessment of the Obama administration's successes and failures, highlighting the challenges of navigating a world in flux and the complexities of balancing American interests with global responsibilities.

The book explores the consequences of America's military interventions, the rise of China and other emerging powers, and the impact of technological advancements on international relations. Rhodes argues that the United States must adapt to a changing world order and find ways to reconcile its own interests with the aspirations of other nations.

After the Fall is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of American foreign policy and its implications for the world. With its thought-provoking insights and nuanced analysis, the book provides a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the United States in the 21st century.

Rhodes's writing is clear and engaging, making After the Fall accessible to a wide audience. The book is filled with vivid anecdotes and personal reflections, offering readers a glimpse into the inner workings of the Obama administration and the challenges of shaping foreign policy in a rapidly changing world.