Routledge Handbook of American Foreign Policy (Routledge Handbooks (Hardcover))

No nation has maintained such an immense stature in world politics as the United States has since the Cold War’s end. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, prompting the global war on terrorism and the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, along with American economic and "soft power" primacy, there has been increased interest in and scrutiny of American foreign policy. The Routledge Handbook of American Foreign Policy brings together leading experts in the field to examine current trends in the way scholars study the history and theories of American conduct in the world, analysis of state and non-state actors and their tools in conducting policy, and the dynamics of a variety of pressing transnational challenges facing the United States. This volume provides a systematic overview of all aspects of American foreign policy and drives the agenda for further, cutting edge research. Contributors bring analytic depth and breadth to both the ways in which this subject is approached and the substance of policy formulation and process. The Handbook is an invaluable resource to students, researchers, scholars, and journalists trying to make sense of the broader debates in international relations. Review "This anthology presents the state of the art in the current study of American foreign policy. The chapters are comprehensive, yet concise, and highly readable. Their careful blending of references to the scholarly literature and to timely policy issues makes this a must read for students and practitioners alike."―Charles W. Kegley, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs and former President of the International Studies Association "This outstanding volume belongs in the library of all serious students of American foreign policy. The thirty-one chapters effectively analyze the historical background, theoretical perspectives, state actors, and important challenges that confront the United States. All readers―whether neophytes or seasoned professionals―will profit from these fine essays."―Ole Holsti, Duke University "This is the most authoritative collection yet available on the subject of American foreign policy. The comprehensiveness of this work, along with the high quality of the contributors, will make the Handbook a standard reference in the field for years to come."―Patrick James, University of Southern California "The Routledge Handbook of American Foreign Policy has assembled in one volume a veritable who’s who of influential scholars to survey all aspects of U.S. foreign policy, including history, theory, issues, actors, and practice. The Handbook will be an indispensable source in courses such as American Foreign Policy, International Relations Theory, Foreign Policy Analysis, and National Security Policy, at both the graduate and even the advanced undergraduate level. It will occupy a prominent place on my shelf."―Valerie M. Hudson, Brigham Young University "I was planning my fall book order and bemoaning the dearth of up-to-date books on American foreign policy appropriate to both graduate and undergraduate students when I learned of this volume. It fits the bill exactly. The editors have assembled an all-star cast to write balanced surveys in their areas of expertise. The comprehensive coverage includes key historical eras, alternative theoretical approaches, governmental and societal actors, policy instruments, and transnational challenges. I’m much happier about my course reading lists with this excellent book now in the lineup." ―Andrew Bennett, Georgetown University "[O]f interest primarily to students of foreign affairs... Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, undergraduate students, and practitioners."―M. Amstutz, CHOICE (March 2012) About the Author Steven W. Hook is professor and chair of the Department of Political Science at Kent State University. Christopher M. Jones is professor of Political Science and associate vice provost for university honors at Northern Illin