Cambridge University Press The Dynamics of Coercion: American Foreign Policy and the Limits of Military Might (RAND Studies in Policy Analysis)

Successful coercion should be relatively simple for the United States. Since the demise of the Soviet Union, the United States is without rivals in military might, political influence, or economic strength. Yet despite the lopsided US edge in raw power, regional foes persist in defying the threats and ultimatums brought by the United States and its allies. This book examines why some attempts to strong-arm an adversary work while others do not. It explores how coercion today differs from coercion during the Cold War. It describes the constraints on the United States emanating from the need to work within coalitions and the restrictions imposed by domestic politics, and it assesses the special challenges likely to arise when an adversary is a non-state actor or when the use of weapons of mass destruction is possible. Review 'Anyone wanting to know why the exercise of US power often doesn't work must read Byman and Waxman's excellent The Dynamics of Coercion; its analysis of US domestic politics and foreign coercion (in coalitions in particular) is clear, coherent and full of good sense.' The Guardian'… this carefully researched and well-argued work will be of great interest to those concerned with the realities and specific challenges of post-Cold War UK foreign policy implementation.' Journal of Peace Research Book Description This book examines why some attempts to strong-arm an adversary work while others do not.