If you ever have trouble sleeping get the book Scowcroft co-wrote with GHWB. There was a
lot going on during those four years, especially the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Scowcroft's comments are amazing. He sees problems everywhere with everything. To him the world is a byzantine maze of unbroachable walls. The concept of scaling walls or knocking them down is heresy to him. Meanwhile, every reason to not take action is accepted as gospel.
After about 200 pages I gave up.
scowcroft gives us a firsthand look at the difference between a coward and a conservative. A coward never willingly upsets the applecart. A conservative does what's necessary.