Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War That Changed American History

Often when we reflect on the past, there are moments that come to our mind - defining ones that literally shape a part of our lives. An academic achievement that led us to a new path, a meeting that gave confidence for us to make a career change. Same applies to a nation. And then it all falls in perfect order. 

Book talks about how skirmishes and military standoffs with North African militia in early part of US national history helped a nation still in infancy to assume a role far greater than its weight at that time and provided seeds of confidence and power projection unseen even in more established regimes. A bit over the top though, generalized descriptions of the "enemy" spoil a perfect theme to reminisce amidst ruins of post American world order today. Made for passable reading during the flights last week.