"A comprehensive, clear-eyed polemic on how this nation--along with the rest of the world, not in spite of it--should provide security for its people. He makes a concise, articulate argument, minus the shrillness of much of today's discourse, that he believes it is imperative that we provide that security and that the manner in which the current crop of powers-that-be are going about it is wrongheaded."--The Denver Post"Hart brings excellent credentials to the subject of security policy. This book's value lies in its stylistic clarity and conceptual breadth, qualities that make it a likely contender in forthcoming political debate. Hart's recommendations nicely balance the notion of security as an aggregate of domestic policies with specific recommendations to strengthen military, diplomatic, and intelligence capabilities. This book is likely to get serious attention. Recommended for all public and academic libraries."--Library Journal"Must-reading not just for Democrats, but for any American who is struggling to make sense of today's global challenges, and what policies we need in order to meet them."--The Washington Monthly"The Shield and the Cloak is about big ideas--and a reminder that they matter. ...Experts and common citizens alike would be well served to read this book closely and heed Hart's core message and his example."--The Washington Monthly"An accessible and stimulating read for those interested in national security, politics and terrorism."--Publishers Weekly"A public intellectual of the first rank."--Des Moines Register"With the new threats of this new century, a fresh approach to security is needed. In this book, Gary Hart provides one. Our great task is to understand the complexities of today's global chessboard and build a commonwealth for security that focuses on more than unilateral military action. Hart's book is crisp, well-informed, readable, and persuasive. All who care about the security of our nation, or our kids' nation, should read it."--Walter Isaacson, President and CEO, The Aspen Institute"No one seriously interested in the full spectrum of national security thinking can afford to miss this book. Hart saw the changing security environment before 9-11, and has thought as much about it since as anyone in the country. This book is his unique contribution."--Charles G. Boyd, General USAF (RET), Executive Director, U.S. Commission on National Security/21st Century"Three decades of intense study of America's national security are reflected in this thoughtful volume. Hart has always been an original thinker and his rejection of the dogmas of the past is both provocative and insightful. His proposals for a new view of security for our nation will hopefully garner the attention of those who are responsible for America's security."--Warren B. Rudman, U.S. Senator from N.H. (Rep.)"With The Shield and the Cloak, Gary Hart extends his decades-long record as a source of sensible and stimulating ideas about American security. The cliché that 'everything has changed' for the United States, now that its Cold War enemy has vanished and new threats have appeared, usually goes no farther than that slogan. But Gary Hart once again clarifies what a better strategy would look like, and how the United States could put it into effect."-James Fallows, National Correspondent, The Atlantic