Introduction
Mike Pompeo's "Never Give an Inch" offers readers an insider's view of American foreign policy during the Trump administration. As Secretary of State, Pompeo was at the forefront of some of the most significant diplomatic challenges of recent years. His book provides a unique perspective on these events, shaped by his personal beliefs, experiences, and unwavering commitment to putting America first.
In this summary, we'll explore Pompeo's worldview, his approach to diplomacy, and his take on some of the most controversial decisions made during his tenure. We'll delve into his thoughts on America's relationships with Saudi Arabia, Russia, and China, as well as his reflections on his own career and values.
Pompeo's Core Values and Beliefs
A Patriot, Risk-Taker, and "Pipehitter"
Mike Pompeo sees himself as a true American patriot. He firmly believes that the United States is the greatest nation in the world, a place where anyone can succeed through hard work and determination. This belief is rooted in his own experiences, having risen from humble beginnings to graduate first in his class at West Point, earn a law degree from Harvard, and eventually become the Director of the CIA and Secretary of State.
Pompeo's patriotism aligns closely with President Trump's "America First" philosophy. He admired Trump's bold assertion of American sovereignty in foreign policy and his willingness to prioritize the country's interests above all else. This sometimes meant making unpopular decisions, such as cracking down on illegal immigration or withdrawing from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord, which Pompeo believed would harm the U.S. economy.
As a leader, Pompeo values risk-taking and what he calls being a "pipehitter." In his view, a pipehitter is someone focused on winning and excellence, who doesn't shy away from necessary confrontations. When assembling his teams at the CIA and State Department, Pompeo sought out individuals who shared these qualities. He believes that protecting America's interests often requires taking calculated risks and facing potential dangers head-on.
The Influence of Christian Faith
Pompeo's Christian faith plays a significant role in shaping his worldview and approach to diplomacy. As an evangelical Christian, he is deeply committed to defending religious freedom both at home and abroad. Despite criticism from some quarters, Pompeo has been unapologetic about discussing his faith publicly and incorporating it into his work.
He believes that every human being is made in the image of God and deserves dignity and protection. This conviction drives his efforts to use America's diplomatic influence to protect the weak and persecuted around the world. For example, Pompeo was particularly concerned about the persecution of Uyghur Muslims in China, which he saw as a crisis of religious freedom.
Pompeo's willingness to speak openly about his faith extended to his diplomatic engagements. During a visit to Cairo, he gave a speech that mentioned his Christian beliefs, despite concerns from his team about how it might be received by a predominantly Muslim audience. To his surprise, he received positive feedback from many Muslims who appreciated his honesty and openness.
Navigating a "Mean, Nasty World"
The Khashoggi Incident and U.S.-Saudi Relations
One of the most controversial episodes during Pompeo's tenure as Secretary of State was the handling of the Jamal Khashoggi incident. Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi Arabian regime, was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. The incident sparked international outrage and put the Trump administration's relationship with Saudi Arabia under intense scrutiny.
Pompeo argues that while the murder was horrific, the media's portrayal of the situation was somewhat misleading. He contends that Khashoggi was primarily an activist rather than a journalist and had connections to the Muslim Brotherhood, which has ties to terrorism. While not justifying the murder, Pompeo suggests that the situation was more complex than it appeared in media reports.
The Trump administration's decision to maintain friendly relations with Saudi Arabia, particularly with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, drew heavy criticism. However, Pompeo defends this approach, arguing that it was necessary to prioritize America's strategic interests in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia was seen as a crucial ally in the fight against Islamic terrorism and in standing up to Iran, which the administration viewed as a significant threat.
Pompeo maintains that preserving the U.S.-Saudi relationship was acting in the best interests of American security. He argues that in a dangerous world, sometimes difficult decisions must be made to protect the country's interests. This incident exemplifies Pompeo's belief in the importance of "never giving an inch" when it comes to defending America's strategic priorities, even in the face of intense criticism.
Dealing with Russia: "Peace Through Strength"
Pompeo's approach to dealing with Russia was guided by the principle of "peace through strength." He views Vladimir Putin as a dangerous leader who sees the West as an obstacle to his goal of reviving the Russian empire. To counter this threat, Pompeo believes that America must present itself as the "strong horse" on the world stage.
The idea is that when an enemy perceives weakness, they are emboldened to attack. Therefore, to maintain peace, America must demonstrate its strength and draw clear lines of deterrence. This approach, according to Pompeo, was effective in keeping Putin in check during the Trump administration.
Pompeo cites several examples of how this strategy was implemented:
U.S. military action in Syria, which he believes sent a clear message to Russia about America's willingness to use force when necessary.
A State Department statement affirming that "Crimea is Ukraine," which served as a warning against further Russian aggression.
Providing Ukraine with millions of dollars worth of weapons, ammunition, and training for their special forces.
Pompeo argues that these actions effectively deterred Putin from invading Ukraine during Trump's presidency. He contrasts this with the situation under the Biden administration, suggesting that the perception of American weakness emboldened Putin to launch his invasion in 2022.
This perspective underscores Pompeo's belief in the importance of projecting strength and resolve in international relations, particularly when dealing with adversarial regimes like Russia.
The China Challenge
The CCP as America's Greatest External Threat
In Pompeo's view, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) represents the most significant external threat to the United States. He considers Xi Jinping to be the most dangerous man in the world and believes it's crucial to speak out against the CCP's actions and ambitions.
Pompeo sees the CCP as an authoritarian regime that believes China should be the center of world civilization. He accuses the party of aggressively trying to create a new world order, citing actions such as the seizure of Hong Kong and preparations for a potential invasion of Taiwan.
The threat from China, according to Pompeo, extends far beyond Asia. He points to several areas of concern:
Economic warfare: Pompeo argues that China engages in aggressive business practices that harm other nations' economies.
Infiltration of American institutions: He claims the CCP is attempting to influence U.S. businesses and universities.
Data collection: Pompeo warns about the potential for apps like TikTok to access Americans' private information.
The COVID-19 pandemic: He believes the virus likely originated from a lab leak in China and that the CCP should be held accountable for its spread.
The Uyghur Genocide
One of the most serious accusations Pompeo levels against the CCP is its treatment of the Uyghur Muslims in western China. He describes the actions taken against this ethnic group as genocide, citing forced abortions, imprisonment in concentration camp-like facilities, and the destruction of mosques.
During his final days in office, Pompeo issued a formal statement officially declaring that the United States recognized the CCP's actions against the Uyghurs as genocide. This move was significant, as it represented the strongest condemnation possible under international law.
Balancing Criticism and Diplomacy
Pompeo's outspoken criticism of China sometimes put him at odds with other administration priorities. For instance, after a press conference where he blamed China for delaying information about the COVID-19 virus, Pompeo faced pushback from President Trump, who was concerned about jeopardizing a trade deal with China.
However, Pompeo remained committed to speaking out against what he saw as the CCP's misdeeds. He believes that holding the Chinese government accountable is crucial for preventing future crises and protecting American interests.
It's important to note that Pompeo distinguishes between the Chinese government and the Chinese people. He recounts receiving a letter from Chinese immigrants to the U.S. who thanked him for speaking out against the CCP, even naming their newborn child after him.
Reflections on Diplomacy and Leadership
The Importance of Clear Communication
Throughout his career, Pompeo has emphasized the importance of clear, direct communication in diplomacy. He believes that being honest about America's positions and intentions, even when it might be uncomfortable, is crucial for effective foreign policy.
This approach is evident in his handling of various diplomatic situations:
Speaking openly about his Christian faith during a speech in Cairo, despite concerns about how it might be received.
Clearly stating America's position on issues like Crimea and the South China Sea.
Openly criticizing the actions of adversarial governments, such as China and Iran.
Pompeo argues that this straightforward approach helps to establish credibility and respect on the international stage, even if it sometimes leads to tension or controversy.
Balancing Ideals and Pragmatism
One of the recurring themes in Pompeo's reflections is the challenge of balancing idealistic values with pragmatic considerations in foreign policy. This is particularly evident in situations like the Khashoggi incident, where the administration had to weigh moral concerns against strategic interests.
Pompeo maintains that while it's important to stand up for American values, the primary responsibility of government leaders is to protect the country's interests and security. This sometimes requires making difficult decisions that may not be popular but are deemed necessary for the greater good.
The Role of Personal Relationships in Diplomacy
Pompeo's account highlights the significance of personal relationships in international diplomacy. He describes how his interactions with foreign leaders, both allies and adversaries, played a crucial role in advancing American interests.
For example, he details his efforts to build a working relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as part of the administration's denuclearization efforts. While these efforts ultimately did not lead to a breakthrough, Pompeo believes that personal engagement was essential in making progress and reducing tensions.
Lessons from Military and Intelligence Experience
Pompeo's background in the military and as Director of the CIA significantly influenced his approach to diplomacy. He often draws on lessons learned from these experiences, such as:
The importance of gathering and analyzing accurate intelligence to inform decision-making.
The need for clear objectives and strategies in any engagement.
The value of building strong teams and fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
These experiences also reinforced his belief in the importance of strength and deterrence in maintaining peace and security.
Controversial Decisions and Criticisms
Defending the Administration's Actions
Throughout the book, Pompeo addresses various criticisms and controversies surrounding the Trump administration's foreign policy decisions. He consistently defends these actions, arguing that they were made with America's best interests in mind.
Some of the controversial decisions he addresses include:
- The withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal
- The relocation of the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem
- The handling of relations with North Korea
- The approach to climate change and environmental agreements
In each case, Pompeo presents the administration's rationale and argues that these decisions were necessary to protect American interests and security.
Responding to Media Criticism
Pompeo is particularly critical of what he sees as unfair treatment by the media. He argues that many journalists and commentators failed to understand or accurately represent the administration's foreign policy goals and achievements.
He recounts several instances where he felt the media mischaracterized his statements or actions, and expresses frustration with what he perceives as a bias against the Trump administration in much of the mainstream media.
Addressing Internal Disagreements
While Pompeo generally presents a united front with President Trump, he does acknowledge some instances of disagreement or tension within the administration. For example, he mentions the pushback he received after criticizing China's handling of the COVID-19 outbreak.
However, he maintains that these disagreements were part of a healthy decision-making process and that ultimately, the administration was aligned in its commitment to putting America's interests first.
Looking to the Future
Ongoing Challenges
As Pompeo looks to the future, he identifies several ongoing challenges that he believes will be crucial for American foreign policy:
Containing China's global ambitions and countering its economic and military expansion.
Dealing with the threat posed by Iran and its nuclear program.
Maintaining strong alliances while ensuring that America's partners contribute their fair share to collective defense.
Addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies and their impact on national security.
Combating terrorism and extremism in various parts of the world.
The Importance of American Leadership
Despite these challenges, Pompeo remains optimistic about America's future. He strongly believes in the importance of continued American leadership on the world stage, arguing that a strong and engaged United States is essential for global stability and the advancement of democratic values.
He calls for future administrations to maintain a clear-eyed view of America's interests and to be willing to stand firm in the face of challenges from adversaries. This includes being prepared to use all elements of national power – diplomatic, economic, and military – to protect American interests and values.
Preserving American Values
Pompeo emphasizes the importance of preserving core American values, including individual liberty, free enterprise, and religious freedom. He argues that these values are not just important domestically but should also guide America's engagement with the world.
He calls for a renewed focus on promoting these values globally, suggesting that America's moral leadership is as important as its economic and military power in shaping a positive future for the world.
Conclusion
"Never Give an Inch" provides a window into Mike Pompeo's worldview and his approach to American foreign policy during his time as Secretary of State. Throughout the book, several key themes emerge:
An unwavering commitment to putting America's interests first, even when it leads to controversial decisions.
A belief in the importance of projecting strength and resolve in dealing with adversaries.
A deep-seated faith that informs his approach to both personal conduct and policy decisions.
A focus on clear, direct communication in diplomacy, even when it might ruffle feathers.
A conviction that China represents the most significant external threat to American interests and values.
An optimistic view of America's role in the world, coupled with a realistic assessment of the challenges it faces.
Pompeo's account offers valuable insights into the decision-making processes behind some of the most significant foreign policy moves of the Trump administration. While his perspective is undoubtedly partisan and has drawn criticism from various quarters, it provides a unique insider's view of American diplomacy during a tumultuous period in international relations.
Whether one agrees with Pompeo's views or not, his book serves as an important contribution to the ongoing debate about America's role in the world and how best to protect its interests in an increasingly complex global landscape. As the title suggests, Pompeo advocates for a firm, unyielding approach to defending American interests and values – never giving an inch in the face of challenges from adversaries or critics.
As the United States continues to navigate a rapidly changing international environment, the ideas and experiences shared in this book will likely continue to influence discussions about American foreign policy for years to come. Whether as a blueprint to follow or a approach to critique, Pompeo's "Never Give an Inch" offers a clear articulation of one vision for America's engagement with the world.