Author Description

Moving beyond a chronological survey of events to an analysis of the rivalries of groups, ideas, and interests that have shaped American diplomacy, Robert Schulzinger explains how and why policy is made, outlines the fundamental beliefs behind U.S. foreign policy, and traces the consistent pattern of America's relations with the rest of the world from the Spanish-American War to the present. He discusses the roles of the president, executive departments, Congress, interest groups, and media in shaping foreign policy, and pays special attention to the ways in which foreign policy issues have affected particular elections. The second edition is completely revised and updated to include new and often unpublished material on the Nixon, Ford, and Carter administrations, and adds an entirely new chapter on the events of the Reagan years. In addition, Schulzinger provides fresh insights into the Vietnam War and its legacy, the changing international economic environment, and America's new willingness to use its military might for the advancement of its foreign policy interests. Also new is a bibliographical essay which provides a handy, current guide to the best scholarship on the subject. With its engaging style and up-to-date information, American Diplomacy in the Twentieth Century is an invaluable source for anyone interested in United States foreign policy.