"As a confrontation over Kosovo's final push for independence looms, this book offers seminal insight into the negotiations that took place between the United States and Russia in an effort to set the terms for ending the conflict. This study in brinkmanship and deception is an essential background for anyone trying to understand Russia's uneasy relations with the West."--BOOK JACKET.

Misadventure -- Picking up the pieces -- The shuttle begins -- The dog days of spring -- An empty chair, nothing off the table -- On the mountain -- Belgrade -- Breaking through -- Deception and confrontation -- A creeping coup? -- The aftermath -- Conclusion: hard lessons.