For the Sake of Argument

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The global turmoil of recent years has tested analysts and commentators, yet few have matched Christopher Hitchens's insight into significant events and the subtle signs of a disordered culture. This collection spans the political landscape, from a beleaguered Bush administration struggling to avert disaster to Clinton's rise to power, and from the twilight of Stalinism in Prague to the Jewish quarter of Damascus post-Gulf War. Hitchens explores the embattled barrios of Central America and the enduring resistance in Sarajevo, revealing that Western realpolitik is built on delusion as well as deception. Readers will encounter exceptional essays on political assassination in America and a sharp critique of how pollsters and spin-doctors have undermined politics. Hitchens's deep understanding of the tumultuous history of twentieth-century revolutions sheds light on the New York intelligentsia's flirtation with Trotskyism and the fragility of Communist regimes in Eastern Europe. His reassessments of figures like Graham Greene, P. G. Wodehouse, and C. L. R. James, along with his spirited celebration of drinking and smoking, showcase his engaging enthusiasm and acerbic wit. Additionally, his unsparing portraits of notable figures, including “Dr.” Kissinger and “Mother” Teresa, provide a memorable rogues’ gallery that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.