Presidential Doctrines

Joseph M. Siracusa, Aiden Warren

"This book assesses and evaluates the key U.S. presidential doctrines from Washington to Obama. It demonstrates that in spite of differences between successive administrations, in most instances, presidential doctrines have articulated both the responses and directions conducive to an international order that best advances American interests: a composition encompassing “democracy,” open free markets, self-determining states that adhere to U.S. principles, and a secure global environment in which U.S. goals can be pursued (ideally) unimpeded. This is manifest through such policy goals as containment, interventionism, engagement, de-entanglement, and securing the region. Also, it shows that the current dilemmas facing the U.S. are a continuation of perennial policy challenges, from Washington’s warning to steer clear of permanent alliances, to George Bush’s radical doctrine of...