The Washington Compromise : How Government Betrays the National Interest

In this personalized critique of United States politics, Joseph Churba chronicles his experience working with the U.S.

Government, from his time spent as Senior Middle East Intelligence Estimator for the U.S.

Air Force, to Senior Policy Advisor for the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, to President of the International Security Council. Churba uses this background and experience to demonstrate his battle with the "Washington Compromise." He shows how motives of political advantage, economic gain, and personal job security defeated principles and lead not only to political compromise, but to the continual and present corruption of democracy. Churba cites cases of political appeasement and gives details about his time with the Reagan administration.

He also describes being caught in the middle of virtual battle grounds of opposing forces, including Communists, U.S.

Government officials, and intelligence operatives. Churba analyzes the significance of the U.S.-Russian relationship over the past five years, looking at issues such as nuclear proliferation and the Chechneyan conflict. The Washington Compromise will be an indispensable text for political science classes focusing on American government and foreign relations. In addition, those persons interested in current political affairs and the present "corrosion" of democracy will be enthralled with this inside view of the state of our government.