A study of U.S. foreign policy.
We may be at an historic turning point. We live in a dangerous world, it is true—but it is also a world filled with opportunity. Democracy is spreading in Latin America and perhaps in Asia and Africa. The political polarization of the world has receded. Once again, the human race may be on the verge of a quantum jump, and the U.S. has an historic opportunity to lead the world into a new, even more advanced, global civilization. That is why the crafting of our foreign policy is so important. And this book outlines the problems—and their solutions—of that policy. It will be of vital interest to students and policy makers.
Introduction
The Conduct of Foreign Policy
An Exasperating Challenge
Anatomy of a Decision: The Persian Gulf Crisis
Rebuilding the Consensus at Home
National Security
The Soviet Menace
Friends: A Good Idea
Across the North Atlantic
South of the Border
Global Order: An Historic Challenge
Decentralized World Order
Return to Power Politics
Conclusion: Toward Leadership Abroad
Bibliography
Index
Reviews
Von Vorys is successful in demonstrating how the conduct of US diplomacy has deteriorated in recent years....—The International History Review
Endorsements
A 'must' read book, not only for our foreign service professionals or for our Armed Service and DOD leadership, but for anyone who is interested in U.S. foreign policy. Karl von Vorys, through exacting research and detailed factual reconstruction of the most critical international incidents faced by the United States in the recent past, has brought forward a powerful work that allows readers to develop an assessment of the impact our foreign policy has had in building a 'consensus at home' and 'leadership abroad.' Additionally, the breadth of the author's knowledge has provided a highly readable, interesting and understandable book for the lay person--and even manages a light touch. By far the best in-depth review of this critical element of our nation's future credibility, viability, and ultimate survivability.—Admiral Wesley L. McDonald, USN (Ret.)^LFormer Supreme Allies Commander Atlantic^LCommander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Command^LCommander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
Von Vorys is to be congratulated for his outline of American foreign policy that harnesses America's unique power to be the realization of a decentralized world order that respects the dignity and enhances the material well-being of all peoples.... [This book] combines well-informed, hard headed insights into critical global issues such as nuclear proliferation, the alleviation of poverty, and the management of ethnic conflict with the realities of diverse world areas from China and Latin America to Africa, Russia, and the Pacific Rim. [The book] never loses sight of the grander purposes that must animate a foreign policy that is worthy of America's traditions and its unique responsibilities as the world's most powerful nation. This book will be 'must' reading for students, practitioners, and attentive observers of American foreign policy and international relations.—Milton J. Esman^LJohn S. Knight Professor Emeritus of International Studies^LCornell University
In this vital book...von Vorys proceeds to sketch the recurring themes in American foreign policy debates. He sketches out the barriers and hazards--historic and institutional--to an effective and sustainable American foreign policy. No one has made the case for a vigorous American foreign policy more persuasively or more memorably. This book is 'must' reading for the scholar and general reader alike.—David Eisenhower^L
