Ambivalent America: Toward a Steadier and Safer Response to World Trends

Ambivalent America argues that understanding long-term trends is just as important as understanding short-term trends in United States foreign policy. Building upon the works of Frank L. Klingberg (1952) and his 1985 book, Holmes argues that United States foreign policy mood has been, and continues to be, an important key to understanding American foreign policy. The period covered by the analysis starts in 1776 and continues to the present. Moods are impacted by interests and world trends to determine United States foreign policy. It is hoped that extremes in American policy can be brought under control, and that prospects for understanding American policy can be improved in the process. Given the role of United States foreign policy in international relations, this work challenges both professionals and general public observers to enrich their understanding of American foreign policy.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Acknowledgments Chapter 3 Chapter 1: A Long-Cycle Approach to American Foreign Policy Chapter 4 Chapter 2: Separate Yet Unlimited: A Macro Analysis of Foreign Policy Mood Chapter 5 Chapter 3: An Expanding Nation Divided: 1824-70 Chapter 6 Chapter 4: Path to Preeminence: 1871-1918 Chapter 7 Chapter 5: Foreign Policy Mood since 1968 Chapter 8 Chapter 6: A New Vision of Foreign Policy Mood Chapter 9 Endnotes Chapter 10 Bibliography Chapter 11 Index

About the Author :
Jack E. Holmes is a professor of political science at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He is a graduate of Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois and received his Ph.D. from the Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. His previous books include The Mood/Interest Theory of American Foreign Policy (1985), and three editions of American Government: Essentials & Perspectives, which he co-authored.

Review :
Holmes' book is rich in data which supports what his theory suggests. According to his mood theory, we are entering a period of extreme extroversion (over involvement) in the rest of the world, a period where throughout American history we have done more than our strategic interests warrant. His theory suggests a rebalancing in the decades ahead in which our strategic interests will be less protected than necessary. Popular reaction will occur against this current drawn out, inconclusive, two war period in the midst of a period of intensifying economic distress. A must read for all graduate students in the area of American foreign policy or international relations. …Timely-given the turbulence of Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Muslim world-and is a culmination of his own efforts over a half century to gain recognition for the power of American society. It's an important read for those of us who are the critical observers with a moment for contemplation, who then must pass on our views to policy makers who are rushing headlong into the Clash of Civilizations.