In this cogent text, Laura Neack argues that foreign policy making, in this uncertain era of globalization, global violence and American hegemony, revolves around power seeking and power maintenance. Now in a thoroughly revised and updated edition with concise, accessible chapters, the book reviews both old and new lessons on foreign policy making and behavior using a rich array of new and enduring case studies. Following a levels-of-analysis organization, the author considers the many elements that influence foreign policy.
Topics include realist theories on rational actors and the pursuit of national interests; studies of leaders' cognition, beliefs and learning; the relationships between leaders and autonomous governmental groups that influence foreign policy making; the shaping influence of national self-image and culture on government institutions and policies; the so-called democratic peace and how democratization may lead to war; the impact of domestic political debates and political opposition on foreign policy choices; the controversial roles of public opinion and the media; how great powers are expected to behave in foreign affairs and how non-great powers may find openings for foreign policy independence; and the impact of non state actors on the foreign policies of states.