After the Fall

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In 2017, as Ben Rhodes assisted former President Barack Obama in transitioning to his next chapter, the legacy they built was under threat. To grasp the unfolding situation in the U.S., Rhodes looked beyond its borders. Over three years, he traveled to numerous countries, engaging with politicians, dissidents, and activists facing the same forces that led to the Trump presidency: nationalism, authoritarianism, and disinformation. His journey included encounters with former Mossad operatives and the Chinese government, as well as meetings with Hong Kong protesters and Russian opposition figures. Across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., he witnessed individuals grappling with their identities amid the crude nationalism of their leaders while seeking new ways to resist. This work combines memoir and reporting, offering a vital exploration of discovery. Rhodes reflects on how the 2008 financial crisis eroded public trust in America, globalization, and democracy, paving the way for strongman leaders like Viktor Orban, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping. He examines how the desire for identity and belonging has been exploited by nationalists and learns from a diverse array of figures—from Obama to rebels and emerging politicians—about crafting a more hopeful narrative for the future.