US Foreign Policy in World History

US Foreign Policy in World History is a survey of US foreign relations and its perceived crusade to spread liberty and democracy in the two hundred years since the American Revolution. This book explores whether consciousness and 'spirit' has been the main motivating force in US foreign affairs or whether in reality it has been driven by materialism. David Ryan undertakes a systemic and material analysis of US foreign policy, whilst also explaining the policy makers' grand ideas, ideologies and constructs that have shaped US diplomacy. US Foreign Policy explores these arguments by taking a thematic approach structured around central episodes and ideas in the history of US foreign relations and policy making, including: The Monroe Doctrine, its philosophical goals and its impact; Imperialism and expansionism; Decolonization and self-determination; The Cold War; Third World development; The Soviet 'evil empire', the Sandinistas and the 'rogue' regime of Saddam Hussein; The process of economic integration in US foreign affairs. -- from back cover.