Striking first

the long version

"American foreign policy, governmental institutions, and the public's sense of internal and external security are undergoing significant changes. The Bush Administration's remaking of American foreign policy through an emphasis on a preemptive, first strike doctrine is an important change, since policy is based on the intentions of state and non-state actors - downplaying the advantages of multi-lateralism. Parallel to this change in external action is its attempt to build an internal security apparatus that will likely result in the significant contraction of civil liberties. These policy shifts challenge the very fundamentals of American political life and the perception of the United States throughout the world. This volume brings together leading scholars to ask the important questions, provide trenchant analyses, and examine the potential implications of ongoing changes in American domestic and international politics."--Jacket.