A review by citizenkahn
Stilwell and the American Experience in China, 1911-45 by Barbara W. Tuchman

4.0

A much easier read than Tuchman's "Guns of August" the book described extreme Stilwel's career and the extreme challenges faced during his quixotic mission in China. Chiang Kai-shek and theKuo-min-tang regime seemed caught by circumstance, environment, or their own incompetence in a downward spiral of graft and inaction. Stilwell's success and deepset flaws offer great object lessons in the application and limitations of personal power. Leadership gains some strength based on position, but relies on building trust between the leader and those further down the org chart. Stilwell's never ending support and belief in the capabilities of those who did the work on the ground enabled him to do great things even when hampered by the hording of resources by the KMT.