Debates about U.S. foreign policy have revolved around three main traditions--liberal internationalism, realism, and nationalism. In this book, distinguished political scientist Henry Nau delves deeply into a fourth, overlooked foreign policy tradition that he calls "conservative internationalism." This approach spreads freedom, like liberal intern
The book explores America's complex relationship with its identity in a global context, arguing that the U.S. no longer stands as an exceptional power among largely non-democratic states. As all major industrial nations have become democracies, Nau suggests that national identities now shape U.S. interests and strategies. He proposes a dual approach to foreign policy, advocating for NATO expansion in Europe and a multilateral security framework in Asia, while advising caution in military interventions in the developing world, emphasizing the need to align moral and material interests.
Key themes in International Relations in Perspective include a balanced exploration of major theories such as realism, liberalism, and constructivism, alongside critical theory. This collection of 43 classic and contemporary readings addresses pressing topics like terrorism, human security, and global governance. Each chapter includes substantive introductions that contextualize the readings, facilitating a deeper understanding of how they interrelate. The book is designed to complement existing texts or serve as a standalone resource for students delving into international relations scholarship.