Edward Luce's new biography, Zbig: The Life of Zbigniew Brzezinski, America's Great Power Prophet, offers a comprehensive portrait of the influential Cold War strategist. Brzezinski, a Polish-born intellectual, rose from an émigré background to become a key architect of United States foreign policy, particularly during the Carter administration. Drawing on private diaries, family interviews, and extensive research, Luce traces Brzezinski's early insights into the vulnerabilities of the Soviet Union and his advocacy for a pragmatic approach to Communist containment.

The book details Brzezinski's academic innovations, his dynamic teaching style, and his relentless pursuit of government influence, culminating in his pivotal role as national security adviser. Luce explores Brzezinski's complex relationships with political figures, his policy battles within the Carter administration, and his controversial decisions, such as supporting Afghan insurgents and normalizing relations with China. The biography also delves into Brzezinski's personal life, his enduring marriage, and his evolving faith, painting a nuanced picture of a man whose legacy continues to shape debates on global strategy.