Watch Turmoil and Triumph: The George Schultz Years

Turmoil and Triumph: The George Schultz Years is a television series broadcasted on PBS that vividly details the tenure of the 60th United States Secretary of State, George P. Shultz. This four-part documentary takes viewers on a journey through one of the most transformative periods in modern American history. The first episode, "The Time Has Come," is a captivating introduction to a man who played a significant role in shaping American politics and diplomacy from the 1980s to the early 1990s.

The key theme of the series is the tension between diplomacy and military power during the Cold War. Throughout the four episodes, we witness Shultz and his team negotiating crucial international agreements, dealing with crises, and trying to navigate a complex and rapidly-changing geopolitical landscape. Viewers are taken on a ride through the Reagan administration's foreign policy, the efforts to end the Cold War, and the challenges of the Gulf War.

Turmoil and Triumph: The George Schultz Years features archival footage, interviews with key players from that era and insights from scholars and experts. The narrative is engaging, and the visual production keeps the viewers glued to the screen. The series offers a nuanced view of American diplomacy during one of the most tumultuous times in history.

Each episode covers a specific period in Shultz's career, starting with his nomination as the Secretary of State in 1982. The first episode offers an overview of the state of international affairs during this period and Shultz's initial challenges in navigating a hostile Congress and a skeptical public. It also highlights his achievements, including securing the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with the Soviet Union, the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, and a pact to reduce chemical weapons worldwide.

The second episode, "The Powder Keg," delves into the Reagan administration's foreign policy regarding Latin America, civil wars in Africa and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is a fascinating look into the complex relationships between various nations and the positive role Shultz played in reducing conflicts.

The third episode, "The Summit," provides a detailed account of the 1985 Geneva Summit, where President Reagan and Secretary Shultz met Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to discuss arms control, human rights, and regional conflicts. It also delves into that period's political dynamics, highlighting the tensions between the administration's hard-liners and those advocating for a more diplomatic approach.

The fourth and final episode, "Triumph and Turmoil," focuses on the Gulf War, one of the defining events of Shultz's tenure as Secretary of State. It provides an in-depth view of the decision-making process that led to American intervention in Kuwait and the leadership shown by Shultz and his team in the aftermath of the war.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to insightful interviews with foreign leaders, such as former Soviet Union foreign minister Eduard Shevardnadze, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, and South African President F.W. de Klerk. We also hear from members of Shultz's inner circle, including Frank Carlucci, his deputy, and Colin Powell, his assistant.

In conclusion, Turmoil and Triumph: The George Schultz Years is a gripping and insightful series that provides a comprehensive analysis of America's foreign policy during one of its most crucial periods. The series offers an intimate view of one of the most important diplomats in American history, his triumphs, and challenges, while showcasing the complexity of international diplomacy. Viewers are left intrigued and informed by this series, which highlights the importance of diplomacy and the challenges that faced America during the Cold War period.