Catherine Sendak is the Director of the Transatlantic Defense and Security program at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA). She was previously the Vice President for Policy and Projects for Business Executives for National Security (BENS). From 2018 to 2021, Sendak was the Principal Director for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy.

Our Man (Jonathan Cape, 2019) by George Packer

A page-turning telling of the life of Richard Holbrooke as he moved his way up the US Foreign Service. Though the book is a life at a glance, the chapters surrounding Holbrooke’s work and leadership on ending the conflict in Bosnia Herzegovina and his integral role in the Dayton Accords negotiations make this a must-read. 

Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking (Crown, 2013) by Anya Von Bremzen

A memoir by a James Beard award-winning food author about her upbringing in the Soviet Union and the impact food, cooking, and recipes have on life and the reflections of food, cooking, and recipes on the political and internal strife of a nation. 

Sleepwalkers (Penguin, 2013) by Christopher Clark

A fantastic telling of the reasons, hubris, and ultimate failures of European leaders in the run-up to World War I. Something to take with you as you observe and work on partnerships, alliances, and addressing adversaries.