U.S. Presidents and Foreign Policy

the long version

From George Washingtonis isolationism to the Monroe Doctrine of hemispheric right to domination to Teddy Rooseveltis imperialism through George W. Bushis global war against terror, U.S. foreign policy has charted a varied course. As the area where the president has the most freedom of action, foreign policy can, and often does, change precipitously, according to the incumbentis view of the world. No other branch of government rivals the presidentis role in Americais rise from liberal republic to global superpower.This work brings together the scholarship of leading historians and political scientists to present in-depth examination of the foreign policy of each president of the United States. This thorough presentation covers all aspects of international relations; although the work is not primarily interpretive, it does not shy from pointing out both notable successes and failures. The bookis 43 essays present quick access to the whole of the history of American foreign policy.