Making Foreign Policy Decisions

It is often said that voters hold presidents responsible for two things: the economy and foreign policy. Economic performance is generally beyond presidential control, but foreign policy is defined by the president. The White House is justifiably blamed or credited for how it manages relations with the outside world. What kinds of considerations should presidents bear in mind as they make important decisions for their country? This book examines foreign policy decision-making, and offers advice to currrent and future presidents drawn from fields ranging from political science and history, to psychology and economics. It identifies basic guidelines that presidents should consider when making choices. When the strong make mistakes, the weak often suffer. As the strongest country in the history of the world, the United States has a special responsibility to run a sagacious foreign policy. This book will therefore benefit students, policy makers, and the general public. -- Back cover.