Buckley takes on another hot-button political issue in his latest satire. Returning somewhat to the Thank You For Smoking model, he presents “Bird” McIntyre, PR functionary for another unappealing lobby: arms manufacturers. His employers, Groepping-Sprunt, have a solution without a problem: a secret defense system, related to a near-future China, that is threatening in its ascendance authoritarianism, and ownership of American debt, if not actively dangerous. The company hopes that Bird’s fomenting of anti-China sentiment will mean appropriations. His attentions soon turn to an ailing Dalai Lama, and a complex game of manipulation involving the upper echelons of the Chinese and American governments is afoot. Buckley has a smart grasp of the issues and plots a convincingly byzantine series of machinations, maintaining a light tone while discussing topics like state-sponsored assassination and drones. He’s at his funniest when describing Bird’s efforts to complete his hackneyed quartet of political thrillers, a self-aware move that revels in thriller clichés like the irresistible “blond, buff [and] miniskirted” co-conspirator. There are a few sags and predictable twists, but overall this is a well-built addition to Buckley’s oeuvre. Agent: Amanda Urban, ICM. (May)
