The Politics of American Foreign Policy - by Peter Gries (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In this provocative book, Peter Gries directly challenges the widely held view that partisan elites on Capitol Hill are out of touch with a moderate American public. Dissecting a new national survey, Gries shows how ideology powerfully divides Main Street over both domestic and foreign policy and reveals how and why, with the exception of attitudes toward Israel, liberals consistently feel warmer toward foreign countries and international organizations, and desire friendlier policies toward them, than conservatives do. And because most Congressional districts have become hyper-partisan, many politicians today cater not to the "median voter" in their districts, but to the primary voters who elect them. The perverse incentives of the U.S. electoral system, therefore, are empowering the ideological extremes, contributing to elite partisanship over American foreign policy. The Politics of American Foreign Policy weaves seamlessly together in-depth examinations of the psychological roots and foreign policy consequences of the liberal-conservative divide, the cultural, socio-racial, economic, and political dimensions of American ideology, and the moral values and foreign policy orientations that divide Democrats and Republicans. Within this context, the book explores in detail why American liberals and conservatives disagree over US policy relating to Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, and international organizations such as the UN.

Review Quotes

"The Politics of American Foreign Policy is an important contribution to a much broader discussion across the social sciences on the role of political ideology in public political life. Gries effectively demonstrates that Americans have a wide-ranging and coherent set of foreign policy preferences, independent of political elites, produced through complex interactions between deep-seated moral convictions and cognitive as well as group-level attributes."--Luke Wood "H-Net"

"During my 16 years in the House of Representatives, moderates were an endangered species. Today, they are extinct. In The Politics of American Foreign Policy, Peter Gries shows how today's hyper-partisanship is rooted in clashing liberal and conservative worldviews--and how these ideological differences shape US foreign policy. A must-read for both students and practitioners."--Congresswoman Connie Morella (R-Maryland "1987-2003)"

"Our dysfunctional political system is a national embarrassment. Whether the issue is the budget, gun control, health care, or immigration, the executive and legislative branches are unable to work together to solve the nation's problems. Partisan posturing has pushed out bipartisanship and compromise. Cooperation between liberals and conservatives is becoming a quaint memory. U.S. foreign policy is increasingly hamstrung by partisan politics as well. From Europe to the Middle East to China, Democrats and Republicans not only cannot agree: they are disinclined to work together to promote the national interest. In The Politics of American Foreign Policy, Peter Gries analyzes the partisanship--affecting both domestic and foreign policy--and finds its origins in the deeply embedded ideologies that are changing our electoral landscape."

"Peter Gries makes a convincing case that the partisan paralysis that has distorted our domestic politics has had a surprisingly powerful effect on foreign policy as well. He challenges the conventional wisdom both among academic political scientists and among journalists and political practitioners about the way public sentiments shape American decisions on war and peace. This is an eye-opening analysis for anyone concerned about America's place in the world."--James Fallows

"Throughout The Politics of American Foreign Policy, Gries forcefully challenges [assumptions on US foreign policy making] and convincingly argues that the underlying ideological beliefs of American voters--rather than merely intransigent partisanship--are predictive of public opinion on matters related to global affairs . . . The domestic 'culture wars, ' Gries contends, permeate preferences regarding US action abroad, thus inhibiting the ability of Washington to formulate sound foreign policy . . . Recommended."--M. O'Gara "CHOICE"

"We have always had a sense that liberals and conservatives differ over foreign affairs. By applying concepts from social psychology and international relations to the interpretation of the most authoritative survey to date of public attitudes towards US foreign policy, this well-written book tells us why. The Politics of American Foreign Policy is a treasure trove of interesting findings on the deep rooted opinions of Americans and will appeal to a wide audience."--Brian C. Rathbun, School of International Relations "University of Southern California"

About the Author

Peter Hays Gries is the Harold J. & Ruth Newman Chair & Director, Institute for US-China Issues and Professor in the Department of International and Area Studies at the University of Oklahoma. He is the author of China's New Nationalism: Pride, Politics, and Diplomacy, and coeditor of Chinese Politics and State and Society in 21st-Century China.