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Dylan Collins
Dylan Collins

Contemporary Cases in U.S. Foreign Policy - Google Books


Contemporary Cases in U.S. Foreign Policy: A Book Review




Introduction




Foreign policy is a complex and dynamic field that involves many actors, interests, and challenges. It is also a crucial aspect of international relations that affects the security, prosperity, and well-being of millions of people around the world. How can we understand and evaluate the foreign policy decisions and actions of the United States, the most powerful and influential country in the world?




contemporary cases in us foreign policy carter 4th edition


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One way to do so is to examine contemporary cases that illustrate the strategic interplay between various factors and actors that shape U.S. foreign policy outcomes and implementation. This is what Ralph G. Carter, a professor of political science at Texas Christian University, does in his edited book Contemporary Cases in U.S. Foreign Policy: From Terrorism to Trade, published by SAGE Publications in 2010.


This book is the fourth edition of a series that started in 2002, and it contains 15 real-world cases that cover a wide range of topics, from terrorism to trade, from national security to human security, from bilateral relations to multilateral institutions. The book aims to provide readers with an engaging and informative way to learn about U.S. foreign policy by analyzing concrete examples that reflect recent world events and Obama administration policies.


In this article, I will review the book by summarizing its main cases, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses, and offering some recommendations for potential readers and future editions.


Summary of the main cases




The book consists of 15 chapters, each devoted to a specific case that illustrates a key issue or challenge in U.S. foreign policy. The cases are organized into four parts: Part I deals with national security issues; Part II focuses on regional security issues; Part III explores global security issues; and Part IV addresses global economic issues.


Each chapter follows a consistent structure that includes a list of "before you begin" questions that help readers focus on the main points; an introduction that provides background information and context; a timeline of important events; a description of key actors; an analysis of competing perspectives; a discussion of policy alternatives and outcomes; a list of "after you finish" questions that encourage critical thinking; and a list of suggested readings for further exploration.


Here is a brief overview of the four brand-new cases that are added in this edition, as well as some examples of other cases that are updated from previous editions.


The global financial crisis




This case examines how the U.S. government responded to the global financial crisis that erupted in 2008-2009, which was triggered by the collapse of the housing market and the subprime mortgage industry in the United States. The case explores how the crisis affected the U.S. economy, politics, and society, as well as its implications for U.S. leadership and influence in the world. The case also analyzes the role of international institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund and the G-20, in coordinating a global response to the crisis.


U.S.-Russian relations




This case explores how the U.S. and Russia have interacted since the end of the Cold War, with a focus on the Obama administration's efforts to "reset" the relationship after a period of tension and mistrust under the Bush administration. The case discusses the main areas of cooperation and conflict between the two countries, such as nuclear arms control, missile defense, energy security, human rights, and regional issues (e.g., Georgia, Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan). The case also evaluates the prospects and challenges for U.S.-Russian relations in the future.


Somali pirates




This case investigates how the U.S. and other countries have dealt with the problem of piracy off the coast of Somalia, which has posed a serious threat to international shipping and commerce since the early 2000s. The case examines the causes and consequences of piracy, as well as the legal and ethical dilemmas involved in combating it. The case also assesses the effectiveness and limitations of various strategies and policies that have been adopted by the U.S. and other actors, such as naval patrols, ransom payments, prosecutions, and capacity-building.


The U.S. economic embargo against Cuba




This case analyzes how the U.S. has maintained an economic embargo against Cuba since 1960, despite the changes in the political and economic landscape of both countries and the region. The case explores the origins and evolution of the embargo, as well as its impact on U.S.-Cuban relations and on the Cuban people. The case also considers the arguments for and against lifting or easing the embargo, especially in light of the recent reforms initiated by the Cuban government and the Obama administration's policy of engagement.


Other cases




Some of the other cases that are updated from previous editions include:



  • The war on terror: This case examines how the U.S. has waged a global campaign against terrorism since 9/11, with a focus on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the use of drones, and the detention and interrogation of suspected terrorists.



  • The Israeli-Palestinian conflict: This case explores how the U.S. has tried to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestine, with a focus on the role of U.S. presidents, Congress, interest groups, and public opinion.



  • The North Korean nuclear weapons program: This case investigates how the U.S. has attempted to prevent North Korea from developing nuclear weapons, with a focus on the role of multilateral diplomacy, sanctions, incentives, and military options.



  • The Darfur crisis: This case evaluates how the U.S. has responded to the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan, where hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and displaced by a brutal conflict between government forces and rebel groups.



  • The Doha round of trade negotiations: This case assesses how the U.S. has participated in the multilateral trade negotiations under the auspices of the World Trade Organization, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities for advancing free trade and development.



Analysis of the book's strengths and weaknesses




As with any book, this one has its strengths and weaknesses that should be taken into account by potential readers and future editors. Here are some of them:


Strengths




Real-world and updated cases




One of the main strengths of this book is that it provides real-world examples that illustrate how U.S. foreign policy is made and implemented in practice. The cases are not hypothetical or abstract scenarios, but actual events that have occurred in recent years and that have significant implications for U.S. interests and values. The cases are also updated to reflect current developments and policies, especially those of the Obama administration. This makes them more relevant and engaging for readers who want to learn about contemporary issues and challenges in U.S. foreign policy.


Multiple perspectives and actors




Another strength of this book is that it exposes readers to multiple perspectives and actors that influence U.S. foreign policy outcomes and implementation. The cases do not present a single or simplistic view of U.S. foreign policy, but rather show how different factors and actors interact in complex ways to shape policy decisions and actions. The cases also highlight how U.S. foreign policy affects and is affected by other countries and international actors, such as allies, adversaries, international organizations, NGOs, media, etc. This helps readers develop a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of U.S. foreign policy in a global context.


Consistent structure and questions




Weaknesses




Lack of theoretical framework




One of the main weaknesses of this book is that it lacks a clear and consistent theoretical framework that guides the analysis of the cases. The book does not explicitly state or explain what theories or concepts are used to understand and evaluate U.S. foreign policy, nor does it compare or contrast different theoretical perspectives or approaches. The book also does not provide a general introduction or conclusion that synthesizes the main themes and lessons learned from the cases. This makes it difficult for readers to grasp the big picture and the underlying logic of U.S. foreign policy.


Limited coverage of some regions and issues




Another weakness of this book is that it does not cover some important regions and issues that are relevant and significant for U.S. foreign policy. For example, the book does not include any cases on U.S. relations with China, India, Brazil, or other emerging powers that are reshaping the global order. The book also does not address some key issues such as climate change, human rights, democracy promotion, cyber security, or global health that are increasingly important for U.S. interests and values. The book also does not reflect the diversity and complexity of U.S. society and culture, such as the role of ethnic, religious, gender, or generational groups in shaping U.S. foreign policy preferences and behavior.


Potential bias and simplification




A final weakness of this book is that it may contain some bias and simplification that could affect the accuracy and objectivity of the analysis. The book is edited by a single author who selects and writes the cases, which may reflect his personal views and opinions on U.S. foreign policy. The book also relies heavily on secondary sources, such as news articles, reports, and books, which may not provide the most reliable or updated information or analysis. The book also simplifies some aspects of U.S. foreign policy, such as the role of public opinion, the influence of interest groups, or the impact of domestic politics, which may not capture the full complexity and diversity of U.S. foreign policy.


Conclusion and recommendations




In conclusion, this book is a useful and informative resource for anyone who wants to learn about contemporary cases in U.S. foreign policy. The book provides real-world examples that illustrate how U.S. foreign policy is made and implemented in practice, and exposes readers to multiple perspectives and actors that influence U.S. foreign policy outcomes and implementation. The book also follows a consistent structure and questions that help readers focus on the main points and encourage critical thinking.


However, this book also has some limitations that should be addressed in future editions. The book lacks a clear and consistent theoretical framework that guides the analysis of the cases, and does not cover some important regions and issues that are relevant and significant for U.S. foreign policy. The book may also contain some bias and simplification that could affect the accuracy and objectivity of the analysis.


Therefore, I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in U.S. foreign policy, but with some caveats. I would suggest that readers supplement this book with other sources that provide more theoretical and conceptual foundations, as well as more comprehensive and diverse coverage of U.S. foreign policy issues and challenges. I would also advise readers to be aware of the potential bias and simplification in this book, and to seek alternative views and perspectives from other sources.


FAQs




Here are some frequently asked questions about this book:



  • What is the main purpose of this book?



The main purpose of this book is to provide readers with an engaging and informative way to learn about U.S. foreign policy by analyzing contemporary cases that illustrate how U.S. foreign policy is made and implemented in practice.


  • Who is the target audience of this book?



The target audience of this book is anyone who is interested in U.S. foreign policy, especially students, teachers, researchers, journalists, policymakers, or practitioners who want to understand and evaluate U.S. foreign policy decisions and actions.


  • How is this book different from other books on U.S. foreign policy?



This book is different from other books on U.S. foreign policy in two ways: first, it uses a case method approach that focuses on real-world examples rather than abstract theories or concepts; second, it exposes readers to multiple perspectives and actors that influence U.S. foreign policy outcomes and implementation, rather than presenting a single or simplistic view of U.S. foreign policy.


  • What are the main strengths and weaknesses of this book?



The main strengths of this book are: it provides real-world and updated cases that reflect recent world events and Obama administration policies; it exposes readers to multiple perspectives and actors that influence U.S. foreign policy outcomes and implementation; and it follows a consistent structure and questions that help readers focus on the main points and encourage critical thinking. The main weaknesses of this book are: it lacks a clear and consistent theoretical framework that guides the analysis of the cases; it does not cover some important regions and issues that are relevant and significant for U.S. foreign policy; and it may contain some bias and simplification that could affect the accuracy and objectivity of the analysis.


  • How can I get a copy of this book?



You can get a copy of this book from various online platforms, such as Amazon, Google Books, or SAGE Publications. You can also check your local library or bookstore for availability.


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