Ideology in U.S. Foreign Relations: New Histories

Ideology plays a significant role in shaping American foreign policy, from the colonial era to the present. This book explores the ideological landscape of international relations, examining how ideologies developed to justify white settler colonialism and free-trade imperialism, as well as the role of nationalism in immigration policy. It reveals how the ideals of "civilization," "freedom," and "democracy" legitimized U.S. military interventions and enabled foreign leaders to turn American power to their benefit. The book also highlights sources beyond traditional diplomatic history, including nonstate actors and historically marginalized voices.

Format: Hardback
Length: 520 pages
Publication date: 09 August 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Ideology plays a profound and multifaceted role in shaping American foreign policy, exerting influence both explicitly and implicitly. From the political revolution of eighteenth-century white colonizers to the post-Cold War era, ideologies have been the driving force behind significant events and decisions.

Racialized notions of subjecthood and civilization underlay the political revolution of white colonizers, as they sought to establish and maintain control over new territories. Ideologies such as colonialism and free-trade imperialism were developed to justify these actions and maintain the dominance of European powers.

In the post-Cold War era, ideologies such as neoconservatism, neoliberalism, and unilateralism propelled the United States to engage in catastrophic military interventions in the Middle East. These ideologies sought to promote American interests and values, often at the expense of local populations and international norms.

Ideologies serve as a framework for understanding and explaining the world, providing a sense of order and predictability. They project the illusion of controllable outcomes, allowing policymakers to believe that their actions can have a significant impact on the world. However, ideologies also play a role in explaining success and failure in foreign policy.

This book explores the ideological landscape of international relations from the colonial era to the present. Contributors examine ideologies developed to justify white settler colonialism and free-trade imperialism, as well as the role of nationalism in immigration policy. The book reveals new insights on the intersection of U.S. foreign and domestic policy and politics, highlighting how the ideals of "civilization," "freedom," and "democracy" have been used to legitimize military interventions and enable foreign leaders to leverage American power.

The book traces the ideological struggle over competing visions of democracy and American democracy's place in the world and in history. It highlights sources beyond the realm of traditional diplomatic history, including nonstate actors and historically marginalized voices. Featuring the foremost specialists as well as rising stars, this book offers a foundational statement on the intellectual history of U.S. foreign policy.

In conclusion, ideology drives American foreign policy in ways that are both visible and invisible. From the colonial era to the present, ideologies have shaped the country's approach to international relations, justifying actions, explaining outcomes, and shaping the perception of American democracy abroad. Understanding the role of ideology in foreign policy is crucial for analyzing and evaluating the country's actions and decisions.

Weight: 862g
Dimension: 161 x 237 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231201803