First published 2018
This comprehensive reader examines how ideas have shaped American foreign policy from colonial times through the Trump era. Bacevich organizes over 100 writings from key figures spanning John Winthrop, John Quincy Adams, Woodrow Wilson, George Kennan, and Barack Obama across 14 chronological sections. Each section opens with clear introductions that place the primary source documents in context. The collection reveals the ongoing tension between affirming ideas that support existing policies and dissenting voices that challenge government actions while proposing alternatives. Bacevich demonstrates that ideas, while not the sole factor, have consistently provided the framework within which American policymakers operate. The volume traces this intellectual evolution from the first English settlements to the post-9/11 period, showing how understanding these core concepts helps readers grasp both the decision-making environment and the constraints facing foreign policy leaders. This authoritative compilation serves readers seeking to understand the documentary foundation of US foreign policy history.
Genres: history, political-science, politics, non-fiction, academic, american-history
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: dissenting-voices
Period: Colonial Times, Post-9/11 Period, Trump Era
544 pages · Paperback · Oxford University Press