Smith, Steven M., (Steven Murray) 1952- creator text bibliography nyu New York Nichols Pub. Co. c1981 1981 monographic eng vii, 152 pages ; 23 cm The book examines how states adjust their foreign policy over time in response to changing international and domestic conditions. Smith argues that foreign policy is not simply the result of rational, fixed decision-making, but an adaptive process shaped by constraints, pressures, and institutional dynamics. Using comparative case studies (notably post-war Britain and the Netherlands), he shows that policy change is usually gradual and incremental, rather than sudden or revolutionary. Governments must constantly balance external pressures (such as shifts in the international system or crises) with internal factors like bureaucracy, political leadership, and domestic politics. Overall, the book is an early contribution to Foreign Policy Analysis, emphasizing that adaptation is often constrained and complex rather than fully controlled by governments. Steven M. Smith. Includes bibliographical references and index. e-uk--- e-ne--- International relations Great Britain Foreign relations 1945- Netherlands Foreign relations 1948- JX1395 .S661f 1981 327.410492 0893971065 : 9780893971069 81011056 DLC 810617 20260616173342.0 3260569 eng