Traces the history of American diplomacy with rogue regimes, including Iran, Iraq, Libya, and Pakistan, to consider why the strategy of dialogue as a first resort has been flawed and whether basic assumptions about them are faulty.

Pariahs to partners: bringing rogues to the table -- From Machiavelli to Muammar -- Great Satan vs. Mad Mullahs -- Team America and the Hermit Kingdom -- Lying down with Libyans -- Tea with the Taliban -- Double dealing in the land of the pure -- Sitting with Saddam -- Hijackers into peacemakers -- Is it time to talk to terrorists? -- Playing poker with pariahs -- Corrupting intelligence or corrupted intelligence? -- Blessed are the peacemakers? -- Is talking the shortest path to war?.