ABSTRACT

 This significantly revised, updated and extended second edition of New Directions in US Foreign Policy retains the strongest aspects of its original structure but adds a comprehensive account of the latest theoretical perspectives, the key actors and issues, and new policy directions. Offering a detailed and systematic outline of the field, this text:

  • Explains how international relations theories such as realism, liberalism and constructivism can help us to interpret US foreign policy under President Obama
  • Examines the key influential actors shaping foreign policy, from political parties and think tanks to religious groups and public opinion
  • Explores the most important new policy directions under the Obama administration from the Arab Spring and the rise of China to African policy and multilateralism
  • Supplies succinct presentation of relevant case material, and provides recommendations for further reading and web sources for pursuing future research.

Written by a distinguished line-up of contributors actively engaged in original research on the topics covered, and featuring twelve brand new chapters, this text provides a unique platform for rigorous debate over the contentious issues that surround US foreign policy. This wide-ranging text is essential reading for all students and scholars of US foreign policy.

part |92 pages

Theories

part |69 pages

Non-state actors

chapter |13 pages

Changing minds, changing course

Obama, think tanks, and American foreign policy

chapter |13 pages

Corporate elite networks and US foreign policy

The revolving door and the open door under Obama

part |110 pages

New problems, paradigms, and policies

part |42 pages

A view from practitioners

chapter |14 pages

Presidents' agenda

The decisions that will shape US—China relations

chapter |12 pages

Afterword: Securing freedom

Obama, the NSA, and US foreign policy