The same aspects of American government and society that propelled the United States to global primacy have also hampered its orderly and successful conduct of foreign policy. This paradox challenges U.S. leaders to overcome threats to America's world power in the face of fast-moving global developments and political upheavals at home. The fully updated Fifth Edition of Steven W. Hook’s U.S. Foreign The Paradox of World Power explores this paradox, identifies its key sources and manifestations, and considers its future implications as it asks whether U.S. foreign policymakers can manage these dynamics in a manner that preserves U.S. primacy.
Clear and concise, "U.S. Foreign Policy: The Paradox of World Power" is a great introductory text that educates the reader on the challenges of establishing foreign policy in an increasingly globalized world and an increasingly partisan American polity. Stephen W. Hook keeps the readers engaged with real world (and frequently updated) information and how elements of public policy shapes the global view of American primacy. A solid read for anyone interested in Political Science.
One star docked for occasional, awkward, content repetition that occasionally derailed points being made in the text. Total text pages minus references, appendices, and glossary: 417.
The book mainly discusses the process of foreign policy making and what factors play role in formulation of U.S. foreign policies. The book is not either a critique or support of American foreign policy but it basically talks about the process of policy development. Book is good for anyone interested in foreign affairs and gives a good insight about how foreign policies are made.