The Mighty and the Almighty audiobook

I picked up this audiobook at the library used book store because I am a big Madeleine Albright fan and I was looking for a new audiobook. I found the subject very fascinating and a good examination of some of the problems facing the world today, even though it is about 10 years old. Many of the issues she discussed in terms of what is happening with Iraq, Al Qaeda, and the surge in "conservative" or "radical" Islam (or those who claim to represent that religion) were quite prescient and I wondered what an addendum to this book would be like, with the new issues of the Arab Spring, the election of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, the changes in the government in Turkey, and the rise of ISIS. She starts off with the concept that for so long, people's religious beliefs, while important to them, were not really given much play on the world stage because they were believed to be personal. But 9/11 changed all that, making religious points of view crucial to diplomatic dialogue, and the many screeching voices of bigotry within religion, from Pat Roberston to the reigning clergy in Iran, have only made matters worse. In addiiton to discussing history and how the different cultures and religions view the central issue of individual dignity and the question of freedom, Albright covered ideas on how to foster tolerance. I was impressed with her candor, and her willingness to see a basis of reason in many of the actions by President George W. Bush that the Left often write off as mere examples of hubris and/or stupidity. Her arguments are compelling and her tone both thoughtful and passionate. In the end, she offered ideas for working together to create a better world for everyone.Normally, I would look to pass along this copy of the book to another, but it had several discs with some big skips or scratches in them -- probably costing the ear-reader no more than a paragraph or two at a time -- which were annoying and would likely mar the listening experience of others. But I would recommend it to anyone interested in world affairs and the role that religion plays on the world stage today.

I love Madeleine Albright. In my opinion, she's one of the most amazing people in the modern world. An immigrant, a daughter, a mother, a wife, a professor, an advisor, a diplomat, a writer - she's exactly the type of woman I would like to emulate. This book is the second I read by M. Albright. The first was her memoir. Another fantastically interesting read! The Mighty & The Almighty, however, is so relevant to the time in which we're living. She recounts history of conflicts that perhaps someone under 50 years old would not know. Or just about anyone from the Western, anyways. Then she sheds light in the relevance of where / how the history of these conflicts plays a role in what is happening today with the U.S.'s relations in the Arab / Muslim world. It goes beyond the black & white debate presented by the modern media. Brilliant, must read for anyone who is interested in current affairs.

Madeline Albright totally threw me for a loop with this one; not only did she re-establish her relevance, even as a sidelines commentator, in the foreign policy arena, but she also proved that her ideas are still applicable today, though proved may be the wrong word. There's no proof of such a thing, but the insinuation is certainly there, and I immediately believed it.She's a lot more "wide-scope" than I imagined her to be, a refreshing trait for a statesperson (though shouldn't that be the norm), and this book not only provided a nice little history refresher, but in the specific context about which she's interested she explores the decades old hurts and issues that are just now coming to a head. Scary enough, but really enthralling read.

I read this book shortly after it was published in 2006 and decided to reread it. The information is still relevant, and many of the people and places discussed are still in the news. The commentary is a very insightful and gives a diplomat's view of the role religion plays in our interactions with other nations. It also focuses on the ways that our actions are perceived by other nations and groups within those nations.

Well written and a worthwhile read. Secretary Albright is an intelligent and insightful author. She makes an observation that seems like common sense but remains elusive in our in our world that discounts religion for the secular. While much information is dated it is a good read.

Madeleine Albright is a true role model. This book was a great explanation of the inpact of religion on politics. If you don’t understand the connection between islam and the way gowerments of countries with the majority of muslims acts, start with reading this book.

What a nice & polite 2006 view! Pre-ObamaPre-Hillary Jews/ Christians/ Muslims are similarly linked in her essays!NOTE: Madeleine Albright gave speech in 2004 to YALE Divinity School on religion & American foreign policy!She's college-professor- level-smart!

Seeing her at a restaurant recently in NYC, reminded me of this book on my shelf to read. Enlightening, informative, and more importantly taught several misconceptions of terrorism.

Audiobook. Exceptionally good especially narrated by author

This is a bit dated (2006) but highly intelligent review of the history of religious faith and it’s impact on international relations.

Not a bad book, good overview of modern history in the US relations to other countries. However, it is not deep and does not contain significant amounts of inside information.

Reading this book was way overdue for me. Ms. Albright is a national treasure and I am always impressed by how she thinks and articulates her views on the world. The overall theme of the book is that religion and morality underpin a lot of how people around the world think and it is foolish to pretend that it isn't the case. She recommends that diplomats learn to understand the role and pull of religion in the areas where they are stationed. In conclusion, I would recommend this book or any of her works to everyone.