The World as It Is

In 'The World as It Is', Ben Rhodes takes readers behind the scenes of the Obama administration, offering an intimate look at the complex realities of global politics. His reflections reveal the art of negotiation and the weight of decision-making during pivotal moments in history. With a blend of personal anecdotes and sharp insights, Rhodes challenges conventional wisdom about leadership and diplomacy. This captivating narrative not only chronicles a presidency but also questions the very nature of power and policy in a fractured world. Dive into this insider's perspective and discover how the echoes of the past shape our present crises.

By Ben Rhodes

Published: 2019

The World as It IsBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00
Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

You might also like →

InterventionsBook binding

Interventions

Kofi Atta Annan, Nader Mousavizadeh

Kennedy Tapes Concise EditionBook binding

Kennedy Tapes Concise Edition

Ernest R May, Philip D Zelikow

The Flawed ArchitectBook binding

The Flawed Architect

Jussi M. Hanhimäki

The Hellfire ClubBook binding

The Hellfire Club

Jake Tapper

Accidental PresidentsBook binding

Accidental Presidents

Jared Cohen

American LionBook binding

American Lion

Jon Meacham

A Peace to End All PeaceBook binding

A Peace to End All Peace

David Fromkin

BossBook binding

Boss

Mike Royko

A People's History of the United StatesBook binding

A People's History of the United States

Howard Zinn

American NationsBook binding

American Nations

Colin Woodard

American ReckoningBook binding

American Reckoning

Christian G. Appy

All inBook binding

All in

Paula Broadwell, Vernon Loeb

American PrisonBook binding

American Prison

Shane Bauer

Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New ChinaBook binding

Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China

Evan Osnos

NixonlandBook binding

Nixonland

Rick Perlstein

Designing ObamaBook binding

Designing Obama

Scott Thomas

Alexander HamiltonBook binding

Alexander Hamilton

Ron Chernow

American CaesarBook binding

American Caesar

William Manchester

ShatteredBook binding

Shattered

Jonathan Allen, Amie Parnes

HacksBook binding

Hacks

Donna Brazile

A Higher LoyaltyBook binding

A Higher Loyalty

James Comey

Devil's BargainBook binding

Devil's Bargain

Joshua Green

A Spy Among FriendsBook binding

A Spy Among Friends

Ben Macintyre

The New RightBook binding

The New Right

Michael Malice

Joseph McCarthyBook binding

Joseph McCarthy

Arthur Herman

The Polarized Presidency of George W. BushBook binding

The Polarized Presidency of George W. Bush

George C. Edwards, Desmond King

The Supreme CourtBook binding

The Supreme Court

Ruadhán Mac Cormaic

Douglas MacArthurBook binding

Douglas MacArthur

Arthur Herman

HitlerBook binding

Hitler

Volker Ullrich

A Preponderance of PowerBook binding

A Preponderance of Power

Melvyn P. Leffler

Book Collections you might like →

Brandon Stanton's Book Recommendations

Brandon Stanton's Book Recommendations

Brandon Stanton is an American photographer and author, best known for creating Humans of New York, a photography project that shares the personal stories of everyday people. Through his portraits and interviews, Stanton captures the diverse experiences of people in New York City and around the world, offering intimate insights into their lives. Humans of New York has become a global phenomenon, with millions of followers on social media and several best-selling books. Stanton’s work has expanded beyond photography to include fundraising campaigns that have raised millions of dollars for individuals and charitable causes. His ability to connect with people and share their stories has made him one of the most impactful storytellers of his generation.

View Collection
Ezra Klein's Book Recommendations

Ezra Klein's Book Recommendations

Ezra Klein is a prominent American journalist, political analyst, and author, renowned for his incisive commentary on politics and policy. He co-founded Vox, a widely respected news website known for its explanatory journalism, and served as its editor-in-chief. Klein's work includes the critically acclaimed book "Why We're Polarized," which delves into the deep-seated divisions in American politics. He also hosts "The Ezra Klein Show," a popular podcast where he interviews thought leaders from various fields. Klein's contributions have significantly shaped contemporary political discourse and media consumption.

View Collection
Ben Shapiro's Book Recommendations

Ben Shapiro's Book Recommendations

Ben Shapiro is an American conservative political commentator, author, and lawyer, known for his sharp analytical skills and outspoken views. He graduated from UCLA at the age of 20 and Harvard Law School at 23, demonstrating his early intellectual prowess. Shapiro is the author of several best-selling books including "Bullies: How the Left's Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences Americans" and "The Right Side of History: How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great." He is the co-founder and editor emeritus of The Daily Wire, a popular conservative news and opinion website. Through his writing and media presence, Shapiro has significantly influenced contemporary political discourse in the United States.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Coleen Baik's Book Recommendations

Coleen Baik's Book Recommendations

Coleen Baik is an American designer, artist, and entrepreneur, known for her work in the tech industry, including as a founding team member of Twitter. Baik played a key role in shaping the user experience and design of Twitter in its early days, contributing to its iconic interface. She is also the founder of Baik Art, a multidisciplinary art studio that blends technology and visual art. Baik is passionate about using design to create meaningful and user-centered digital experiences, and she frequently speaks on topics related to innovation, design, and creativity. Her work has made her a prominent figure in the intersection of tech and design.

View Collection
Jon Stewart's Book Recommendations

Jon Stewart's Book Recommendations

Jon Stewart is an American comedian, writer, and former host of The Daily Show, where he gained fame for his satirical take on news and politics. Stewart transformed The Daily Show into a critical voice in American media, blending humor with hard-hitting commentary on political and social issues. After stepping down from the show, Stewart has continued to advocate for causes like 9/11 first responders and veterans' rights. He is also a filmmaker, directing the political satire film Irresistible. Stewart remains a significant figure in American culture, known for his wit, activism, and influence on political discourse.

View Collection
Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.

View Collection
Larry King's Book Recommendations

Larry King's Book Recommendations

Larry King was an American television and radio host, best known for his long-running show Larry King Live, where he interviewed world leaders, celebrities, and public figures. King’s straightforward interviewing style and ability to engage with a wide range of topics made him one of the most recognized and respected broadcasters in the world. Over his six-decade career, he conducted over 50,000 interviews and became a cultural icon for his curiosity and accessibility. King was also a philanthropist, supporting numerous charitable causes, particularly in the areas of health and medical research. His legacy as a master interviewer and media personality continues to influence journalism and broadcasting.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
Noam Chomsky's Book Recommendations

Noam Chomsky's Book Recommendations

Noam Chomsky, born December 7, 1928, is an influential American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, historian, and social critic. He revolutionized the field of linguistics with his theory of generative grammar, particularly through his seminal work, "Syntactic Structures" (1957). Chomsky's contributions extend beyond linguistics to political activism, where he is known for his critiques of U.S. foreign policy and media, encapsulated in works like "Manufacturing Consent" (1988). As a professor emeritus at MIT, his interdisciplinary approach has significantly impacted cognitive science, philosophy of language, and political thought. Chomsky remains a prolific author and speaker, continuing to shape academic and public discourses.

View Collection
Ashton Kutcher's Book Recommendations

Ashton Kutcher's Book Recommendations

Ashton Kutcher is an accomplished actor, producer, and entrepreneur best known for his roles in popular television series such as "That '70s Show" and "Two and a Half Men." While not primarily recognized for contributions to literature, Kutcher has significantly impacted the tech industry through his venture capital firm, A-Grade Investments, which has funded successful startups like Airbnb and Uber. Additionally, he co-founded the media company Katalyst, which has produced various digital content. Kutcher is also an active philanthropist, co-founding the DNA Foundation, now known as Thorn, which focuses on combating human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children. His diverse ventures reflect a commitment to innovation, social good, and entertainment.

View Collection
Bernie Sanders's Book Recommendations

Bernie Sanders's Book Recommendations

Bernie Sanders is an American politician and U.S. Senator from Vermont, known for his progressive policies and his advocacy for economic equality. Sanders ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016 and 2020, inspiring a movement with his calls for Medicare for All, free college tuition, and a $15 minimum wage. He identifies as a democratic socialist and has been a long-standing advocate for labor rights, environmental justice, and social welfare programs. Sanders’ candidacy energized a new generation of activists and has had a lasting influence on the direction of the Democratic Party. His focus on income inequality and social justice continues to shape political discourse in the U.S.

View Collection
Tim Ferriss's Book Recommendations

Tim Ferriss's Book Recommendations

Tim Ferriss is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and podcast host, best known for his book The 4-Hour Workweek, which advocates for designing a lifestyle of financial and personal freedom through efficiency and outsourcing. He has written several other books, including Tools of Titans and Tribe of Mentors, compiling lessons from interviews with high achievers across industries. Ferriss’s podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, is one of the most popular in the world, where he interviews leaders and influencers about their habits, strategies, and personal development. He is known for his emphasis on productivity, health, and optimizing performance.

View Collection
Evan Spiegel's Book Recommendations

Evan Spiegel's Book Recommendations

Evan Spiegel is an American entrepreneur best known as the co-founder and CEO of Snap Inc., the company behind the popular multimedia messaging app Snapchat. Born on June 4, 1990, Spiegel revolutionized social media with the introduction of ephemeral messaging and augmented reality features. Though not a traditional figure in literature, his contributions to tech culture and digital storytelling have been influential in shaping modern communication. Spiegel's work has garnered him a spot on Forbes' list of youngest billionaires and has made Snapchat a cultural phenomenon among younger generations. His innovative approach continues to impact the evolving landscape of digital media and communication.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions