Although a state's foreign policy is shaped by its unique culture, history, and political system, all states share the same challenge: they must contend with new global forces that are changing the way nations interact. Economic liberalization, democratization, self-determination, regionalism, as well as the growing power of international organizations heavily influence the actions of states both at home and on the world stage.
At last there is a modern comparative foreign policy text. In one accessible volume, fifteen scholars systematically explore the foreign policies of thirteen nations, covering both major and emerging players. Linking the study of international relations to domestic politics, the authors highlight the importance of both internal and external forces in foreign policymaking. Rather than consolidate countries into regional categories, Foreign Policy in Comparative Perspective treats each nation according to its individual history and contemporary dilemmas, allowing authors to address both shared concerns within a region and the unique struggles facing a particular country.
Enabling comparative analysis, the book's theoretical framework helps students discern patterns to better understand why a state acts as it does in foreign affairs. Each country chapter includes:
- an introduction by the volume's editors that points to similar developments in other countries, reinforcing comparison and analysis;
- a discussion of the linkages between external and internal factors and the implications for future foreign policy;
- a map to place countries within geographical context; and
- a list of suggested readings for further information.