Customer Reviews

The Withering Away of the Totalitarian State

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In her most surprising and unexpected book yet, Ms. Kirkpatrick shows her flair for foreign policy, and also her flair in the kitchen! Sandwiched between erudite analysis of the geopolitical consequences of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ms. Kirkpatrick also treats her readers to some of her favorite casseroles, cakes, and holiday hosting recipes. Delightful, low-calorie dishes abound, all in the midst of some of the finest insight to today's international crises.

Best known for her laser-sharp policy-wonk intellect, Ms. Kirkpatrick combines a matronly warmth with iron-willed hawkishness as she effortlessly swings from such disparate topics as trade deficits, beauty tips for teens, arms embargos, tempting seasonal pies, and relationship advice.

Her disapproval of today's "loose" fashions is eloquently displayed in Chapter 8, where she finds the modern practice of girls allowing their ankles to peek from under their dress hems "disgracefully Clintonian." Stongly advocating the use of subdued, plain colors on conservative attire, Kirkpatrick assails today's bright hues as "nothing short of a socialist invasion of our moral rectitude." Later, in a surprising turn of tone, Kirkpatrick shows her awareness of modern slang by suggesting that Gorbachev's perestroika initiatives "were really just about the bling-bling."

Recommended to all who seek a better understanding of today's international problems in the Balkins, as well as the perfect recipe for sinfully decadent chocalate mousse.