The Eagle and the Trident

I am very much impressed by the political insights and broad historical perspective of The Eagle and the Trident. It should be an essential item in anyone's operational library, given the high probability that Ukraine will continue to be an important issue for the United States, for East-West relations, and as a critical test of Russia's ability to be a genuine European state."- Zbigniew Brzezinski, Counselor and Trustee, Center for Strategic and International Studies, and former U.S. National Security Adviser;

"Ambassador Steven Pifer draws on a wealth of diplomatic experience to offer the most comprehensive first-hand account of the high and low points of US-Ukrainian relations. Written in lucid prose and a highly engaging style, this book is mandatory reading for college courses dealing with Russian Foreign Policy, European Security or Post-Communist Politics."- Dr. Serhiy Kudelia, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Baylor University;

"Ambassador Pifer has long been respected as a diplomat, policymaker, and commentator on the high-stakes challenges of our time. In The Eagle and the Trident, he has achieved a trifecta: an engaging memoir of his role in the painful rebirth of a long-oppressed nation; a must-read for historians and students of the post–Cold War period; and a highly relevant guide to the ongoing crisis among Ukraine, Russia, and the West."- Strobe Talbott, President, Brookings Institution, and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State;

"How did Ukraine get into its current situation? Steven Pifer, in this remarkably well-documented book, shows us. From the euphoria of independence in 1991, to the elimination of nuclear weapons and working through a sea of corruption and venal politicians, here is the history of U.S. engagement with post-Soviet Ukraine, including what did not work. As Pifer demonstrates, there is more than enough blame to go around. The U.S. and EU do not escape unscathed. We need to rethink our approach to enforce reforms that will benefit the citizens of Ukraine."- Richard Armitage, Trustee, Center for Strategic and International Studies, and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State;

"In this persuasive account of a quarter-century of relations between Washington and Kyiv, Steven Pifer explains the important stakes for the United States in Ukraine. Drawing on his extensive experience of government service—including as ambassador to Ukraine—he chronicles the successes and failures of U.S. policy in supporting Ukraine in its two major challenges: implementing economic and legal reforms and dealing with Russia. This is essential reading for understanding the past, present, and future of U.S.-Ukraine relations."- Angela Stent, Director, Center for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies; Professor of Government and Foreign Service, Georgetown University; and former U.S. National Intelligence Officer for Russia and Eurasia;

"This is a nuanced and honest account, characteristic of the earnest Pifer. It is excellent that such an insightful and well-documented book has been published because too many myths have accumulated about what the United States has actually done in Ukraine, especially on the Russian side but also on the Ukrainian side."- Anders Aslund, U.S.-Ukraine Business Council;

"This is the first book-length study of U.S. relations with Ukraine following its independence in 1991, and it is extremely well done: clearly written, deeply informed, and balanced."- Robert Legvold, Foreign Affairs