John Graham is the author of Charlotte's War (May 2023), a sweeping and ambitious historical novel set amidst the geo-politics of Vietnam era international tension.
Graham served as an officer in the U.S. Navy UDT/SEAL Teams for nine years (four on active duty). He was a founding director and an advisory board member of the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Center for Citizen Peacebuilding during the last two decades. A Berkeley PhD, Graham is an author and Professor Emeritus of International Business at UCI.
For four decades he has provided expert advice and training on international negotiations to executive groups at Fortune 500 companies here and abroad, and government organizations including the U.S. Institute of Peace.
Graham has published more than sixty articles in journals such as the Harvard Business Review, Harvard Law School's Negotiation Journal, the Journal of Marketing, and Management Science. His several books with partners have all been bestsellers on their respective topics; International Marketing, the most popular book in the world on the topic, has been translated into seven languages.
About Charlotte's War
This epic novel follows one extraordinary American woman as she grieves and triumphs through the horrific realities of three wars that threaten the men she loves.
Charlotte Shipwright is in the fight of her life to save her firstborn son from facing a truth she knows all too well—the dreadful impact of war. As Charlotte weaves through major world events, her remarkable will and intelligence position her to offer key insights to leaders negotiating peace in Vietnam.
The formidable connections Charlotte forges over the years—including visionaries such as JFK, two U.S. Secretaries of State, and even Ho Chi Minh—culminate in a surprising and captivating convergence of personalities, power, and politics.
Key themes and takeaways of Charlotte's War, and how my first-hand experience in international negotiations informed the rich historical elements of the novel.
Discrepancies in how American men and women view firearms, leadership, and peace.
The influence and legacy of Henry Kissinger's career and how it connects to war crimes. Why did Kissinger fail so often in his negotiations surrounding Vietnam? What were his strengths and flaws?
How diversity plays a key role in peacebuilding, within nations, organizations, and communities.
Surprising parallels between Ho Chi Minh and George Washington.
Detailed accounts of the Vietnam War, including policy insights and an exploration of the Mi Lai Massacre and other illegal orders.
How diversity and egalitarianism promote creativity and peace.
What's meant by the phrase, "The primordial persuasion was punishment. The first sophistication was exchange."
Are women smarter than men? Are they better leaders?
How do trade and "inventive negotiation" lead to peace?
What causes war, and what causes peace? Are humans predisposed to war?
Is it possible to change the culture surrounding guns, weapons, and power in America, and how
Why don't trade sanctions work?
What do most Americans misunderstand about creating peace?