** spoiler alert ** Diplomats & Admirals is a book about the events that occurred between July 1941 to June 1942 and is told through the leaders who shaped the events. This includes both American and Japanese leaders such as President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Japanese Premiers Konoe and Tojo. These are a few of the leaders of the time that determined policies, strategies, and tactics that ultimately resulted in a changed world. This book is really fascinating because it uses de-classified documents and original materials that show the ineffective communications, failed leadership, and mistakes made by these leaders. The author believes that had there been effective communication and strong leadership the events could have been drastically different. The book is well researched, very detailed, and well worth the read. I love history and enjoy reading about it, but I know for some this may not be the most fascinating topic, but I do believe the author takes this topic and makes it an interesting and great read. ( )

This is my first read by Dale A. Jenkins. Diplomats & Admirals is an in-depth well written military and WWII story. This book will guide you strategically through the events and decisions that were made between the governments of the US and Japan. This period of history will shine a light for many regardless of the knowledge you have going into it. If you enjoy nonfiction, war story, or history this is a must read book. ( )

In the ever-expanding realm of World War II literature, Dale A. Jenkins' "Diplomats & Admirals" offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on a time period fraught with tension and conflict. Embarking on an analysis of the year leading up to the Pacific War, Jenkins focuses on the events from June 1941 through July 1942, specifically examining the circumstances that led to the attack on Pearl Harbor and the ensuing Battle of Midway.
The book is quite clearly meticulously researched, which shows Jenkins' dedication to shedding light on the political maneuvers, diplomatic missteps, and tragic misjudgments that precipitated the conflict between Japan and America during this pivotal time​. The author's background as a former US Navy officer and his significant positions with the Naval War College Foundation and the Naval Order of the United States lends credibility to his accounts​.
I found the narrative to be well-structured, presenting an overview of each key player involved in the conflict, from both American and Japanese sides. This includes their respective strategies and the myriad of complexities that contributed to the outbreak of war​. The book's comprehensive approach to such a complex era is commendable, maintaining an engaging and educational tone throughout​.
I think it is important to note that Jenkins' analytical lens is not without its flaws. His exploration of the possibility that the war could have been avoided through more adept diplomacy has sparked some controversy. Critics argue that he relies heavily on speculative hindsight, seemingly dismissing the contextual realities of pre-war Japan and the extensive influence of the country's imperialistic blocs of government​. This inclination to impute thoughts and emotions to historical figures, along with making definitive judgments on key players based on superficial criteria, may leave some readers questioning the depth of his analysis​.
Despite these criticisms I definitely think "Diplomats & Admirals" remains a compelling read for anyone interested in World War II history. For me at least it offered a fresh perspective, challenging conventional narratives and providing a deeper understanding of the period leading up to the Pacific War. While the book may not be the standout of the year, it is a worthy addition to the shelf of any history enthusiast, offering a nuanced and detailed account of a period of profound global change.
While "Diplomats & Admirals" may not be the shining star of historical narratives, it is a valuable exploration of the diplomatic and military complexities of the pre-World War II period. It is a fascinating dive into the characters and decisions that shaped a crucial era, marred only by the occasional indulgence in speculative hindsight. ( )

Dale Jenkins takes declassified reports from WWII and devolves his opinion of how this war could have been different if vital information was given in a timely fashion. Diplomats & Admirals is a fantastic look at a war that changed the very fabric of world policies. "What ifs" give an endless supply of possibilities that is compelling to envision.

I find historians a passionate group of people that makes great authors, teachers, and public speakers. Dale Jenkins takes his passion for history and naval strategies and created a mesmerizing military historical read. Diplomats & Admirals is mesmerizing as the author reveals insightful information that keeps you glued to the pages. You feel the energy and devastation of an important time in our history. There is always the vision of how lives could have been saved and wars prevented. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to those who love the history genre. ( )

Diplomats and Admirals by Dale A. Jenkins is a piece of work that describes the events, or better said, the miscommunications, bad decisions, and misjudgments that led to the Pacific War. The events that led to the war between America and Japan are analyzed and interpreted by the author in his journey to find where things went wrong and what could have been done so that the tragedy could have been avoided.

I liked how the author provided two perspectives on the war: one based on economics and international relations and another that focuses on military strategies. By doing so, it was easy to see how the minds of those in command and their way of thinking worked and reacted to certain events, and where and how the miscommunication appeared that led to tragic events such as Pearl Harbor. Historical pieces of work are not my first pick, but this time, Jenkins managed to keep me focused and pleased with the book, mostly because I enjoyed seeing the events through the perspectives of other people, like Roosevelt and Premiere Konoe. I could see how a meeting or a message could have prevented a disaster, but that never happened. As I reached the end of the book, two final words came to mind: If only... ( )