American Foreign Policy: The Dynamics of Choice in the 21st Century

by Bruce W. Jentleson

Thoroughly updated to reflect the most recent developments, the Third Edition of American Foreign Policy addresses with unmatched authority the most pressing foreign policy issues of this new global how should the United States wield its power, pursue peace, be true to its principles, and work with the international community? American Foreign Policy helps students approach these issues by applying a consistent critical framework throughout the text, emphasizing both the strategic and political aspects of foreign policy decision-making. With new readings and pedagogy in the text and a new Web site for study and review, the Third Edition is an unparalleled introduction to U.S. foreign policy amidst the challenges of terrorism, the war in Iraq, the Darfur crisis, globalization, democratization, and other timely issues.

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

700 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2000

Reviews

[nidhi :)]

inta 3110 textbook. there will come a time i rant abt liberal arts grading scales, uselessness of class time, and my strong dislike for inta majors. but not now bc i have two 12-page papers due!

[Song of Morning]

A succinct and accessible book. The latter half of the book is definitely structurally superior. Unfortunately this book tries to sell a very corporate and idealist perspective on the future role of American Fol. Pol. (don't believe the reviews that depict this as a 'balanced' take). This is understandable, as I take it the edition I read was re-edited/finished in the early years of the Obama Admin. --- unfortunately, for us post-Trump cynics, Jentleson's bias is truly disgusting. This is what American politics and their future look like as depicted by a Baby Boomer long worn-out by his acting in the stage of American Politics. In our age, we can no longer live on pretending Politics can be 'understood' by old maids like Jentleson (the character of the 'Sciences' is at stake here with the question of the Good). After Trumps presidency, is there anyone left who can BELIEVE confidently in the wisdom these old fools espouse?

Read at your own peril, as Jentleson is heck-bent into brainwashing you with liberal Boomer propaganda. You have been warned, lol

[Amanda Stewlow]

American Foreign Policy isn't exactly something to brag about! This book was eye-opening. It began by addressing how US foreign policy revolves around the 4 P's: Power, Peace, Principle, and Prosperity. Any successful US foreign policy typically involved all four of the P's. When policy is based on just one or two of the P's, the US gains and enemy, gets involved in conflict, or is the recipient of condemnation. Great educational read.

[Neh]

Loaded with information, but very accessible and easy to read. I find it surprising that though Prof Jentleson served in the Obama admin, it was quite well balanced. I benefited from using this alongside Hastedt's text. (Hastedt's was well balanced, too, but in a bit different way: it was critical of every administration lol)

[Dallas Smith]

By far the best written and best organized textbook on topics related to Foreign Policy politics and history.

[Christopher Potter]

Not recommended for recreational reading!

[The Bear]

Great survey text / primer for the discerning foreign policy student.

[Art]

An absolutely excellent textbook on American Foreign Policy using a 4Ps typology (Power, Peace, Prosperity, and Principles). The author examines various schools of thought (i.e. Realism, Isolationism, Internationalism, neo-Conservatism, etc.). Covers various branches of the U.S. government, public opinion, media, etc. Both historical and current contexts are used to compare the various schools of thought along with their various strengths and weaknesses in advancing U.S. Foreign policy.

[Anjuli]

Blah US Foreign Policy is depressing.