Retreat and its Consequences
American Foreign Policy and the Problem of World Order

This book explores the consequences of retreat and retrenchment in foreign policy which threaten America's own security.

Robert J. Lieber (Author)

9781107141803, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 3 May 2016

152 pages, 1 b/w illus. 2 tables
23.5 x 15.7 x 1.3 cm, 0.35 kg

'… an important and timely contribution to the ongoing debate regarding the wisdom and likely consequences of US strategic retrenchment. … Lieber's book makes a vital contribution to contemporary debates on US foreign policy.' Kyle Haynes, H-Net

What are the consequences of retreat and retrenchment in foreign policy? In recent years, America has pulled back from its long-time role of international leadership. In doing so the Obama administration has sought to conciliate adversaries, shown indifference to allies; called upon the international community to step in; proclaimed and then disavowed 'red lines'; and preferred to lead from behind in the face of catastrophic civil war in Syria, ISIS barbarism in the Middle East and North Africa, Russia's predatory behavior in Eastern Europe, and China's muscle-flexing in East Asia. The consequences of this 'realist' experiment have been costly and painful, and it has caused the US to lose credibility with friends and foes. America retains the capacity to lead, but unless it resumes a more robust role, the world is likely to become a more dangerous place, with mounting threats not only to regional stability and international order, but to the national interests of America itself.

1. Foreign policy retreat and the problem of world order
2. Burden sharing with Europe: problems of capability and will
3. Middle East policy: regional conflicts and threats to national interest
4. BRICS: stakeholders or free-riders?
5. Retreat and its consequences
6. Can America still lead - and should it?

Subject Areas: Geopolitics [JPSL], Diplomacy [JPSD], International relations [JPS]