Mission to Algiers: Diplomacy by Engagement (Adst-Dacor Diplomats and Diplomacy Book) [Paperback]

Cameron R. Hume (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0739112058 | ISBN-13: 978-0739112052

Ambassador Cameron Hume's Mission to Algiers relates the dramatic account of the U.S. Algerian embassy's promotion of democracy, rule of law, and market economy in a region experiencing great change. Hume's first-hand account chronicles the Algerian government's near bankruptcy in the 1990s, the Islamist insurgency that killed 100,000 people and threatened the country's stability, and the slow push toward democracy in the face of one-party rule. Hume's account shows the strengths and weaknesses of American foreign engagement, and most importantly the theory and method behind using expanding bilateral relations to enable a massive reduction in terrorist violence, and bolstering positive economic and political change.

Editorial Reviews

Review

At a time when the United States is encouraging democratic development in the Middle East, the Algerian case of partially successful transition to democracy should be better known. This is a good case study of what an Ambassador actually does on a day to day basis...a well-written, first hand account of recent history. (Quandt, William B. )

About the Author

Cameron R. Hume is the Ambassador in charge of the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan. He is internationally recognized as one of the most senior and distinguished members of the U.S. diplomatic corps.

Product Details

• Paperback: 186 pages
• Publisher: Lexington Books (March 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0739112058
• ISBN-13: 978-0739112052
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,470,474 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Intresting but self-serving, January 15, 2007

By 

F. I. Folensbee "fadhma" (centreville, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Mission to Algiers: Diplomacy by Engagement (Adst-Dacor Diplomats and Diplomacy Book) (Paperback)

Overall a good read of an Ambassador's challenges during a pivotal time in Algeria's recent history. A consumate diplomat, Hume's writing is non-controversial as he does not delve into some of the more thorny issues of Algerian politics. His ego is apparent when he comments on all of the State Department luminaries that are his personal friends and agree with his decisions. Unfortunately, Hume's book dismisses his female replacement with only one line. Anyone familiar with Algeria will note that the Ambassador that replaced him was more effective in promoting US-Algerian relations.

5.0 out of 5 stars Diplomacy in transition, December 13, 2010

By 

James L. Luikart - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Mission to Algiers: Diplomacy by Engagement (Adst-Dacor Diplomats and Diplomacy Book) (Hardcover)

This is a fascinating account with three important themes. First, it relates a pivotal chapter in Algeria's history, a country that had been devastated by one of the great post WWII colonial wars (1954-62). After 1985, Algeria was on the brink of anarchy and had to come to grips with failed economic and social policies that prompted an alienated youthful population to seek recourse in Islamic fundmentalism as its only means of opposition. The period of Ambassador Hume's tour of duty (1997-2000) coincided with new political leadership and fresh policy initiatives to chart a new course for Algeria.

Secondly, this is a story of American foreign policy during a period of transition--from the rigid cold war world to the more complex multipolar world we must deal with today, and from traditional diplomacy to public diplomacy, replete with satellite communications, the internet and an expanded role for the press.

Lastly, it highlights the unsung service of our much maligned and underappreciated foreign service, which often faces acute danger in inhospitable corners of the world at considerable personal sacrifice.

We should have learned by now from our costly misteps in Southeast Asia in the 1960's and more recently in the Middle East that we will only have an effective foreign policy if we attract and retain diplomats of the caliber of Ambassador Hume, who brought a lifetime of experience and regional expertise to the service of his country and who stands in the tradition of George Kennan. Because of Kennan's profund knowledge of Russia, he was able to design America's Cold War strategy that defeated Communism without firing a shot. Despite recent technological advances, we still need diplomatic boots on the ground and Ambassadors who can discern what is in the back of the minds of closed, complex societies like Algeria's and who are sufficiently savvy to promote our intersts and values effectively. We were fortunate to have had Ambassador Hume in Algiers during this period.