In "Power and the Idealists," Paul Berman embarks on a riveting journey through the transformation of a generation, charting their course from the fiery student uprisings of 1968 to the corridors of power where they shaped the world's political landscape. Berman, with his characteristic depth and intellectual rigor, delves into the lives and philosophies of key figures who once denounced the establishment only to later assume roles within it. Through a nuanced examination, the book explores the intricate dance between the youthful idealism that fueled protests against democratic capitalism and military interventions, and the pragmatic realism that later guided these once-radical individuals in governing based on those very principles they sought to reform. This work is not merely a historical account but a profound analysis of moral and intellectual evolution, questioning what it means to fight for democracy and human rights with the tools of the system one once opposed. Berman masterfully portrays how figures like Bill Clinton and Joschka Fischer, who navigated the tumultuous shift from protestors to policymakers, embody the complex legacy of the 1968 generation. "Power and the Idealists" stands as a testament to the enduring impact of youthful rebellion on global politics and serves as a reflection on the cost and consequences of wielding power in pursuit of idealistic goals. Through Berman's lens, readers are invited to reconsider the essence of activism, power, and the ongoing struggle for justice and equity in an ever-changing world.