Beyond the Water’s Edge: How Partisanship Corrupts U.S. Foreign Policy

Intense partisanship in the US has damaged its relations with the rest of the world, leading to the prolongation of war and crisis, the intrusion of foreign influence, and the undermining of democracy. Paul R. Pillar's book explores the ways other governments respond to inconsistency in US foreign policy, the consequences of domestic division for US global leadership, and how the corruption of American democracy also weakens democracy worldwide. He concludes that entrenched political sectarianism makes the adoption of remedies unlikely.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Intense partisanship has become a familiar feature of contemporary American politics, but its consequences extend far beyond the nation's borders. The damage caused by this polarization has impacted U.S. relations with the rest of the world, undermining the country's ability to effectively engage with other nations on a global scale. Political leaders often prioritize their own party's interests over the national interest, leading to policies that prioritize short-term gains over long-term stability and prosperity.

In his book "Beyond the Waters Edge," Paul R. Pillar delves into the profound ways in which partisanship has undermined U.S. foreign policy, particularly over the past three decades. He places the current discord in historical context, tracing its roots back to the early days of the republic. While the corrupting effects of partisan divisions are not new, Pillar argues that past leaders were often able to navigate these challenges more effectively. However, recent social and political trends, such as the end of the Cold War, have contributed to a surge of corrosive partisanship that has reached unprecedented levels.

Pillar demonstrates that the costs of partisan divisions are far-reaching and profound. They range from the prolongation of wars and crises to the intrusion of foreign influence and the undermining of democratic institutions. He explores how other governments respond to inconsistency in U.S. foreign policy, the consequences of domestic division for U.S. global leadership, and how the corruption of American democracy also weakens democracy worldwide.

Despite acknowledging the challenges posed by entrenched political sectarianism, Pillar offers insightful analysis of the decline of U.S. foreign relations. He suggests possible remedies to address the growing divide, such as promoting greater political compromise, fostering greater civic engagement, and strengthening institutions that can promote dialogue and cooperation across party lines. However, he cautions that these solutions are unlikely to be adopted in the current political climate, where partisanship has become deeply entrenched and ideological divisions have become hardened.

"Beyond the Waters Edge" is an important book for all readers concerned about the state of the American political system. It provides a sobering account of the consequences of intense partisanship and offers a roadmap for rebuilding the country's foreign relations and restoring its global leadership. By examining the historical roots of partisan divisions and the social and political trends that have contributed to their escalation, Pillar provides a valuable perspective on the challenges facing the United States and the world.

Weight: 662g
Dimension: 160 x 238 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231213165