Suchergebnisse

Delving into the concept of the United States as an empire, this investigation examines U.S. interventions around the world-from the Spanish-American War to the invasion of Iraq-demonstrating how they not only contradict the principles of both liberals and conservatives but also make a mockery of the Founding Fathers' vision for a free republic. In recent years, "blowback" and the enormous expansion of federal power have threatened the American homeland itself, curtailing the liberties these interventions were supposed to protect. This book, however, exposes the flaws of U.S. interventionism a

AbstractObjectiveReligion has been shown to affect the U.S. public opinion about foreign policy. Recent studies emphasize attitudes about issues pertaining to the Middle East. They also tend to focus on the perspectives of evangelical Protestants, so we know comparatively little about how being mainline Protestant, Black Protestant, Catholic, or religiously unaffiliated might affect one's foreign policy preferences.MethodsUsing data drawn from the 2009 America's Place in the World General Public Survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, we analyze religion's impact on public attitudes about foreign affairs, comparing evangelical Protestants with four other religious groups.ResultsWe find that the main driver of religion's impact on foreign policy attitudes is nominal religious affiliation ("belonging"), not the frequency of worship attendance ("behaving"). Religiously unaffiliated Americans and Catholics—and to a lesser extent, mainline and Black Protestants—perceive the world as less threatening than do evangelicals. They also prefer multilateral, cooperative solutions to international problems.ConclusionAmericans vary significantly in their international threat perception and support for militant or cooperative internationalism based on their religious affiliation. In addition, evangelical Protestants' preference for hawkish, unilateral foreign policy extends beyond the context of the Middle East.

This article focuses on American energy policy toward Azerbaijan, amidst increasing tensions in U.S.-Russian relations followingRussia's abrupt withdrawal from Shell's Sakhalin-2 energy project in September of 2006. It recommends a preventive policy for Washington by which it will secure its future energy interests in the region. This policy recommends for Washington to form alliances with Caspian republics such as Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan by promoting the political independence of the Republics of the Caspian Basin and by assisting their governments in establishing infrastructure for regional gas supplies and pipes. The article also discusses the role of the United States in assisting all parties involved in the protection of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline from terrorist threats and social unrest in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey.

"In Thinking beyond Boundaries--written under the direction of West Point social sciences faculty for its Student Conference on US Affairs, or SCUSA--contributors introduce undergraduates to aspects of transnational conflict that extend beyond traditional political and intellectual boundaries, providing context to a variety of contemporary issues, including immigration, terrorism, and environmental security. This volume aims to challenge students by asking them to behave not as passive observers, but as decision makers who engage in policy-level debate and formulate specific policy recommendations. Well acquainted with the demands of classroom discussion, the contributors know how to make world politics and foreign policy accessible to students, and they provide recommended readings and resources at the end of each chapter.The book asks students to consider how the United States promotes or even determines an effective and appropriate policy response to boundary-spanning problems. Since future political and military leaders, as well as policymakers, will face the challenge of collective action within the confines of an uncoordinated international system, the book urges them to consider what role domestic and foreign factors should play in their decision-making processes. Thinking beyond Boundaries's three-part organization--which considers the blurred line between domestic and foreign policy; the cross-border implications of foreign policy; and the challenges and opportunities that extend beyond the boundaries separating the world's regions--coupled with recommended reading lists will help students develop a foundation with which to approach the substantial topic of "foreign policy." Touching on a number of concerns--including civil-military relations and the global challenges involved with hacking, foreign aid, weapons proliferation, international trade, and climate change--this book draws thoughtful conclusions about the proper role of the United States around the world"--