Turmoil and Triumph: The George Schultz Years

Turmoil and Triumph: The George Schultz Years is an intensely riveting three-part American historical documentary series that was broadcasted on PBS in 2010. This miniseries offers an insight-packed exploration of the Balkan wars, the Reykjavik Summit, and the fall of the Berlin Wall from a unique perspective – that of George Schultz, one of the most influential statesmen in modern U.S. history, and the Secretary of State under President Ronald Reagan from 1982 to 1989.

Featuring a series of insightful interviews and crisp narration, the documentary focuses on Schultz's tenure during the Reagan administration, spotlighting his impressive seven years of service where he had to navigate a tumultuous world stage, marked by international conflicts, nuclear threat, and power struggles. Throughout these pinnacle moments in world history, Schultz was asked to redefine American foreign policy, breaching the boundaries of diplomatic orthodoxies. In doing so, he exerted substantial sway in some of the groundbreaking moments of global diplomacy, and the series chronicles these key events in an immersive and engaging narrative.

The series begins with the first segment, "To Start the World Again," which centers on Schultz's early tenure in the Reagan administration. The viewers get to delve deep into his strategies and efforts to establish trust and rapport with world leaders, particularly delving into his dealings with the Soviet Union amidst the escalating Cold War tensions.

In the second part of the series, "To Tear Down a Wall," viewers are led through the events that move closer to the end of the Cold War, which unravels the tangles of the US-Soviet relations. A primary highlight is the Reykjavik Summit involving Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and intricacies of the diplomatic duel that took place on the icy terrain of Iceland, pushing the limits of cold war diplomacy.

The final chapter, "A New World Order," unravels the intricate and thorny path that led to the end of the Cold War. The documentary meticulously outlines the collective allotment of tasks and the various diplomatic strategies put forth by the Chairman and Secretary Schultz, leading to the historic tearing down of the Berlin Wall.

Drawing not just from Schultz's own accounts of the events, but also rich archival footage, comprehensive reports, and interviews with a dynamic range of subjects, including politicians, diplomats, and journalists, the series paints a comprehensive picture of Schultz's critical role in shaping and implementing U.S. foreign policy during a time of significant global change.

One of the strengths of Turmoil and Triumph lies in its balanced handling of its subject. George Schultz isn't just praised as a successful diplomat; the series reflects both his triumphs and setbacks, giving a realistic, humanized portrayal of a man who had to make tough decisions while facing severe global challenges. The series also explores Schultz's personal life, his motivations, and sheds light on the man behind the diplomat, thus creating a holistic portrayal of his character.

Another appealing feature of the series is its educational value. Viewers come away with a greater understanding of Cold War history and U.S. foreign policy. Through a multitude of viewpoints from commentators, academics, and those who were directly involved, the series also poses thoughtful questions about diplomacy, power, and politics.

In the final analysis, Turmoil and Triumph: The George Schultz Years is a captivating documentary for all, but particularly those with an interest in political science, history, global studies, or diplomacy. It successfully manages to elucidate a volatile period in global history, while simultaneously providing a deep dive into Schultz's crucial role in shaping those events. The series is not just historically informative, but also revealing about the nature of diplomacy, political strategy, global power dynamics, and the art of negotiating peace. Told from the intimate perspective of a key player, this documentary constitutes a remarkable journey down memory lane that captures the essence of epic political history.