The pathologies of power : fear, honor, glory, and hubris in U.S. foreign policy /
Fear, honor, glory, and hubris in U.S. foreign policy
Christopher J. Fettweis, Tulane University.
- xi, 307 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
Includes bibliographical references (pages 253-290) and index.
Introduction : pathological beliefs and U.S. foreign policy Fear : the power of nightmares in a safe society Honor : credibility, resolve, and paper tigers Glory : hypercompetitiveness and U.S. foreign policy Hubris : the superpower as superhero Conclusion : pathology, realism and the future
The foreign policy of the United States is guided by deeply held beliefs, few of which are recognized much less subjected to rational analysis, Christopher J. Fettweis writes, in this, his third book. He identifies the foundations of those beliefs - fear, honor, glory and hubris - and explains how they have inspired poor strategic decisions in Washington. He then proceeds to discuss their origins. The author analyzes recent foreign policy mistakes, including the Bay of Pigs, the Vietnam War, and the Iraq War, and he considers the decision-making process behind them, as well as the beliefs inspiring those decisions. The American government's strategic performance, Professor Fettweis argues, can be improved if these pathological beliefs are recognized and eliminated.
Political psychology--United States. Psicología política --Estados Unidos International relations--Psychological aspects. Relaciones internacionales --Aspectos psicológicos Relaciones internacionales--Toma de decisiones International relations--Decision making.
United States--Foreign relations. United States--Foreign relations--Psychological aspects. Estados Unidos --Relaciones exteriores