Force and Statecraft: Diplomatic Challenges of Our Time

by Paul Gordon Lauren, Gordon A. Craig, Alexander L. George

Force and Statecraft is a concise historical account and insightful analysis of diplomacy. It combines history, political science, and international law in a unique interdisciplinary approach to explore how lessons from the rich experience of the past can be brought to bear on the diplomatic
challenges that confront our world today.
Now thoroughly revised, updated, and enhanced, the book combines the cumulative insights and reflections of three distinguished scholars with international reputations who have written more than fifty books between them. Paul Gordon Lauren has been involved with the book from the beginning and
brings a fresh perspective to this edition. In lucid prose and clear organization, the fourth edition surveys the evolution of the international system from the emergence of diplomacy and the rise of the modern state in the seventeenth century to the present. It then takes the reader into an
analysis of some of the most important issues of statecraft. Now much more international and global in scope, this edition contains a number of new case studies, including the negotiations over nuclear weapons in North Korea, and a discussion of recent events. It also offers completely new or
significantly expanded coverage of such topics as the impact of terrorism and 9/11, international human rights, ethics, the "lessons" of history, globalization, the United Nations, the growing role of nonstate actors, weapons of mass destruction, just war theory, and the legitimate use of armed
force. For the first time, this edition contains illustrations, maps, and website references to guide readers.
Force and Statecraft is both a classic and a timely resource ideal for those interested in diplomatic history, international relations, foreign affairs, statecraft, and security studies.

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction, Political Science, International Relations, European History

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 1983

Reviews

[Tojuan Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for a class, very technical couldn't really enjoy but it is an academic work so that probably explains it.

[Peach P 📆📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

euro-centric diplomatic history. However, I think this book is one of the best introduction to the field of IR. It focuses mainly on ‘Balance of Power’ and lots of case studies. Mainstream IR, that’s it.

[Nael_5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting book reflecting on different challenges and threats that exist nowadays.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Academic mandatory read

[Art · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book examines the International nation-state system as it has developed over the past four hundred years. The first half of the book is primarily history focusing on the balance of power system that later evolved into more organized systems like the League of Nations and the United Nations. Several cases studies are included examining times where the balance of power has been disrupted and wars occur. The latter half of the book examines various types of diplomacy (i.e. negotiation, coercion, etc.) and evolving ethical considerations when it comes to war and domestic and international violence.

[Benemint · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is fine, but I just don't like Euro-centric diplomatic history. The first historical part was more interesting than the latter analytical part. I doubt there is any practical use of the lessons that the second half of the book shows to any politicians/diplomats today.

[Nate Ackerly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best beginning diplomacy book on the market.

[Cass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book detailing major principles of hard and soft diplomacy, international relations, and the history and development of the state.