American Foreign Policy

As the world's only superpower, America's foreign policy inevitably has a major impact ETH be it positive or negative - on contemporary international affairs. Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, George W.

By exploring early precedents and elite practices, the moralism of American exceptionalism as well as the roots of an expansionist American foreign policy, the discussion draws out the continuities running from the 18th century to the present. Part 3 concludes with an analysis of the politics of interest on the Potomac with analysis of the interplay of contending policy elites, factions and parties influencing foreign policy making today. Assessing alternatives, the author concludes that even though containment and armed intervention will remain part of the way the United States conducts its foreign policy, diplomatic engagement options are the most promising course of action for the coming decades.

* Foreword by Kenneth M. Jensen* Preface and Acknowledegments* Introduction* Part One: Peaceful Engagement, Containment and Armed Intervention* Chapter One: Peaceful Engagement and Diplomacy* Chapter Two: Containment of Adversaries* Chapter Three: Armed Intervention and Warfare * Part Two: Foreign Policy in the American Experience* Chapter Four: Institutionalized Elite Practices and the Moralism of American Exceptionalism* Chapter Five: Intervention and ExpansionismNAcquiring Territory, Spreading Ideas, and Pursuing Other Interests* Part Three: Theoretical Reflections and Practical Expectations* Chapter Six: Elite Understandings of Power* Chapter Seven: Politics on the PotomacNInterests, Elites and Parties* Chapter Eight: Presidential Power in Politics on the Potomac* Conclusion* Selected Readings