"The Folly of Realism" is Officially Released!
Available Today, Order Your Copy Now
Dear Readers,
I’m proud to announce the release of my new book, The Folly of Realism! This book provides clarity and guidance as we enter a time of uncertainty in American foreign policy and as the world marks the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. By clicking this link, you can order your copy right now. If you are interested in the historical context of the current war in Ukraine and my prescriptions for a more secure, morally led United States, your should read this book.
In my book, I examine how three decades of short-sighted U.S. foreign policy emboldened Vladimir Putin, weakened U.S. alliances, and contributed to the largest land war in Europe since 1945. But The Folly of Realism is more than a critique—it’s a blueprint for a values-based foreign policy that moves beyond outdated, transactional thinking and strengthens American leadership on the world stage.
Drawing on my personal experiences at the Pentagon, U.S. Embassies in Kyiv and Moscow, and on the National Security Council, as well as interviews with top U.S. and foreign policymakers, I offer a clear-eyed analysis of where American foreign policy went wrong, what we should expect from the coming years, and how we can rebuild U.S. global leadership based on strategic clarity and democratic values.
Here are some kind words from others about the book:
"A powerful critique of decades of U.S. policy mistakes, and a roadmap for what comes next."
—Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia
"A must-read for anyone who wants to understand what went wrong and how it can be fixed."
—Serhii Plokhy, Harvard University
"Vindman makes a spirited riposte to ‘realists’ who argue America has no vital interests in Ukraine. It’s a penetrating take on American foreign relations."
—Publishers Weekly
If you’ve found value in my work, I hope you’ll order a copy and help spread the word. It truly is the best way to support me and signal bookstores that this is a book people need to read.
Order your copy of The Folly of Realism here.
I truly want to thank you all for your continued support and I hope you enjoy reading this work as much as I enjoyed writing it.


Thank you, Alexander Vindman, for this crucial video. I was proud of you all along and remain both proud of you and thankful for you. I also recall having seen you and your brother on television in your growing up years. Thank you for your strong character and values.
I was finally able to order it! Thank you Alex!