Just before he died after a long and distinguished international career as a politician, commentator, and author, Conor Cruise OBrien completed a study of George Washingtons presidency. Cruise OBrien has been described as a man who so persistently asks the right questions (The Economist), and in this, his last book, he explores the question of how early Americas future was determined. First in Peace considers the dissension between Washington and Jefferson during the first U. S. presidency, and reveals Washingtons clear-sighted political wisdom while exposing Jeffersons dangerous ideology. Cruise OBrien makes the case that Washington, not Jefferson, was the true democrat, and commends his clarity of vision in restoring good relations with Britain, his preference for order and pragmatism, and his aversion to French political extremism.