Today's Foreign Policy Issues: Democrats and Republicans

by Trevor Rubenzer

Overview

Examines the perspectives of Democrats and Republicans on dozens of major foreign policy issues of the 21st century, illuminating both areas of consensus and issues where partisan divisions are wide.

From the earliest days of the republic through the Cold War and to the present day, American foreign policy has been colored by the beliefs and values of America's major political parties. Surveying the breadth and depth of partisan divisions on a variety of key foreign policy issues yields a better understanding of how partisanship has helped define U.S. leadership in the modern era.

This book treats 38 individual foreign policy issues, each chosen for its timeliness and importance to American interests in the 21st century. For example, readers will learn about the partisan feelings regarding U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba that surfaced in the wake of President Obama's visit to Cuba in 2016 and his decision to resume diplomatic relations. These feelings serve as an excellent example of both partisan and intergovernmental divisions on a key U.S. foreign policy issue.

Each entry contains an historical overview that will quickly bring readers "up to speed" on the issue, followed by an authoritative survey of positions and statements held by presidents, key leaders of Congress, and other important voices in both the Republican and Democratic parties. The book will serve as a vital and highly accessible reference for anyone—undergraduate university students, advanced high school students, and general readers—who needs a one-stop source for information about partisanship and U.S. foreign policy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440843679
Publisher:	ABC-CLIO, Incorporated
Publication date:	06/15/2017
Series:	Across the Aisle
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	400
File size:	751 KB

About the Author

Trevor Rubenzer, PhD, is associate professor of political science at the University of South Carolina Upstate.

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

Afghanistan 1

Arms Control and Disarmament 11

Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) 21

Brexit and the European Union 31

China 39

Climate Change 51

Cuba 62

Cyberterrorism and Security 75

Debt Relief for Developing Countries 85

Defense Spending 93

Egypt 101

Energy Policy 111

Foreign Aid 121

Human Rights 131

Immigration 141

Iran 151

Iraq 163

ISIS/ISIL 173

Israel 183

Latin America 193

Libya 205

Mexico 215

Military Intervention 225

Narcotics and Drug Policy 235

Nation-Building 245

NATO 253

North Korea 261

Pakistan 271

Refugees 279

Russia 291

Sub-Saharan Africa 301

Syria 309

Terrorism 319

Trade Policy 329

Trans-Pacific Partnership 339

Ukraine 349

United Nations 357

Glossary 367

Bibliography 381

Index 387

Editorial Reviews

The third volume in the publisher's Across the Aisle series, after economic and social issues were explored, follows the same format of presenting in a clear, balanced, and succinct way the key positions of the major parties through the 2016 campaign. . . . .The sections convey the mix of internal viewpoints objectively and how rhetorical positions often differ from voting and priorities. The glossary, bibliography, and accurate index add to the work's value.” —Booklist

“This volume treats the differences on 37 present foreign policy issues. . . Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels.” —Choice

“[D]oes a good job describing Republican and Democratic political stances on a multifaceted array of foreign policy issues confronting the United States during the Trump Administration. . . . Recommended for undergraduate students.” —ARBAonline

From the Publisher