"Inside the Situation Room" Book by Clinton and Yarhi-Milo Examines Crisis Decisions of Leaders Including Trump and Putin

A new book, “Inside the Situation Room: The Theory and Practice of Crisis Decision-Making,” co-edited by former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Columbia SIPA Dean Keren Yarhi-Milo, is sparking discussion about how global leaders navigate moments of intense pressure. Journalist Fareed Zakaria recently highlighted the book, stating, > "How do leaders like President Trump and Russian President Putin make decisions in times of crisis? @HillaryClinton & @YarhiMilo joined me to talk about the new book they co-edited on crisis decision-making, 'Inside the Situation Room'." The book aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world policy-making in foreign policy crises.

The edited volume, published by Oxford University Press, originated from a popular course co-taught by Clinton and Yarhi-Milo at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). It brings together insights from leading scholars and policymakers, exploring the political psychology behind critical decisions. The book delves into various elements of crisis decision-making, including diplomatic dilemmas, covert operations, and the role of trust and emotions.

Hillary Rodham Clinton, a Professor of Practice at SIPA and Presidential Fellow at Columbia World Projects, brings decades of direct experience from her time as Secretary of State and other high-level roles. Keren Yarhi-Milo, Dean of SIPA and a renowned expert in international security and crisis decision-making, provides the academic framework. Their collaboration extends to co-founding the Institute of Global Politics at Columbia University, further cementing their joint efforts to blend scholarship with practical policy.

The book specifically addresses the decision-making styles of prominent figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as Chinese President Xi Jinping. Through case studies and theoretical analysis, “Inside the Situation Room” examines factors such as threat perception, the influence of advisors, and the impact of domestic public opinion on leaders' choices. Fareed Zakaria, who endorsed the book, noted that it offers a "masterclass in global policy and crisis decision-making."

By combining theoretical insights with the direct experiences of those in power, the book provides a vital resource for understanding the complexities of international relations. It offers a unique perspective on the challenges leaders face when making high-stakes decisions, contributing significantly to both academic discourse and practical policy considerations in an increasingly volatile world.