The Crisis of American Foreign Policy: The Effects of a Divided America

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In The Crisis of American Foreign Policy, noted scholar Howard J. Wiarda argues that the foreign policy of the United States reflects the divisions and dysfunctions we see in our domestic culture and society. Examining the main traditions, institutions, and challenges of American foreign policy, this text is an entertaining read as well as a serious one. It tackles such critical issues as ethnocentrism in foreign policy as well as U.S. efforts to extend democracy, human rights, and civil society in other countries. It includes a balanced chapter on globalization and a discussion on how to deal with authoritarian regimes. With his long experience in Washington policymaking, Wiarda offers especially innovative chapters on the links between foreign policy and Washington think tanks, lobbying and interest groups in the foreign affairs area, and Washington social life. Key areas covered include Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Concise, clearly written, well-organized, challenging, and provocative, this is a textbook that students and professors are sure to appreciate.

Reviews

Upper-year undergraduates or those headed to Washington for the first time for an internship would benefit from Wiarda's clear writing style and insights. * International Affairs *
Howard Wiarda's latest contribution helps readers to better understand the changing strengths and weaknesses of U.S. foreign policy and, equally as important, how that policy is made, deliberately or by default, and implemented in the field. His candid, comprehensive, and insightful assessments reflect years working in and around the policy community. This is a timely, useful, and provocative addition to the literature. His understanding of U.S. policy toward Latin America is particularly strong. -- John A. Cope, National Defense University
According to Howard Wiarda, America is divided and in trouble, its fundamental problems now having spread from the domestic to the foreign. Our political institutions simply are not working well, and our actions are plagued by beliefs of ethnocentrism. After covering the relevant policy areas, the book's insightful conclusion reviews these difficulties and asks the important question of where we go from here. Wiarda's works are always a great success in coursesstudents are sure to enjoy this text. -- Philip Kelly, Emporia State University

Author Bio

Howard J. Wiarda is Dean Rusk Professor of International Relations and head of the Department of International Affairs at the University of Georgia. He is also Senior Scholar at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington.