Contemporary Cases in US Foreign Policy

This engaging case study approach helps students understand the many ways American foreign policy gets made, by questioning motives, considering alternatives, and analyzing the outcomes in many of the most controversial foreign policy issues now confronting the United States.

This engaging case study approach brings together a diverse set of contributors to help students question motives, consider alternatives, and analyze outcomes in many of the most pressing foreign policy issues now confronting the United States.

Many actors—from the president and members of Congress to interest groups, NGOs, and the media—compete to shape U.S. foreign policy. The 13 case studies in this edition deal with a wide range of policy tools and domains: national security, homeland security, diplomacy, trade, immigration, epidemics, climate change, and industrial policy. Up-to-date cases analyze current policy on Iran, North Korea, Ukraine, and the Houthi. Many reflect how the demarcation between foreign and domestic policy has become even more blurred as polarization has come to play a significantly increased role in American foreign policy.

The seventh edition also features helpful pedagogy and a consistent chapter structure across contributors, including:
· Chapter-opening “Before You Begin” questions to frame the reading
· Timelines to help students put events in historical context
· Case introductions to set up broad themes and where each case fits in the foreign policy arena
· Background sections to give students the political and policy context to understand what’s at stake.