Today's Foreign Policy Issues: Democrats and Republicans(Across the Aisle)

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.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Afghanistan Arms Control and Disarmament Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Brexit and the European Union China Climate Change Cuba Cyberterrorism and Security Debt Relief for Developing Countries Defense Spending Egypt Energy Policy Foreign Aid Human Rights Immigration Iran Iraq ISIS/ISIL Israel Latin America Libya Mexico Military Intervention Narcotics and Drug Policy Nation-Building NATO North Korea Pakistan Refugees Russia Sub-Saharan Africa Syria Terrorism Trade Policy Trans-Pacific Partnership Ukraine United Nations Glossary Bibliography Index

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

Review :
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. This volume treats the differences on 37 present foreign policy issues. . . Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels. [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.