In the decades preceding World War II, American diplomat Alex Hazen watches the rise of Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler but does not use any of his ambassadorial powers to intervene. Instead, Hazen subscribes to the dominant policy of appeasement, believing the belligerent dictators will eventually soften. Although married, he is in love with journalist Cassie Bowwman — but her feelings about the threat posed by fascism differs severely from his.

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