Synopses & Reviews
A rising China, climate change, terrorism, a nuclear Iran, a turbulent Middle East, and a reckless North Korea all present serious challenges to Americas national security. But it depends even more on the United States addressing its burgeoning deficit and debt, crumbling infrastructure, second class schools, and outdated immigration system. While there is currently no great rival power threatening America directly, how long this strategic respite lasts, according to Council on Foreign Relations President Richard N. Haass, will depend largely on whether the United States puts its own house in order.
Haass lays out a compelling vision for restoring Americas power, influence, and ability to lead the world and advocates for a new foreign policy of Restoration that would require the US to limit its involvement in both wars of choice, and humanitarian interventions.
Offering essential insight into our world of continual unrest, this new edition addresses the major foreign and domestic debates since hardcover publication, including US intervention in Syria, the balance between individual privacy and collective security, and the continuing impact of the sequester.
Review
Robert M. GatesA perceptive diagnosis and common sense prescription for what ails us as a nation. It is a practical guide for those who believe Americas continued global leadership is critical in the twenty-first century, but who believe it must be anchored in restoration at home and more effective use of all the tools of
American foreign policy abroad.”
Michael R. Bloomberg
Richard Haass is one of Americas most insightful and experienced thinkers. In Foreign Policy Begins at Home, Haass explains why our ability to wield power and influence abroad will depend on our confronting pressing challenges at home. He offers a sobering look at the domestic policies that are undermining our international competitiveness—and a thoughtful roadmap for strengthening Americas position on the global stage.”
Madeleine K. Albright
A concise, comprehensive guide to Americas critical policy choices at home and overseas. Richard Haass writes without a partisan agenda, but with a passion for solutions designed to restore our countrys strength and enable us to lead.”
Foreign Affairs
Haass delivers a cogent picture of the world and supports it with sharp and precise arguments.”
American Diplomacy
A must read for aspiring diplomats.”
National Interest
Haass persuasively shows that the United States continues to be the indispensable nation.... Haasss writing style is straightforward and uncluttered by jargon. My academic colleagues will not find reference to hegemonic transition theories or postmodernism, which makes the book much more accessible to a wider readership.”
Library Journal
This informative, well-written book is a necessary addition to any collection providing either experts or citizens with new and rational discussion of Americas place in the world today.”
Kirkus Reviews
Lessons learned from the recent past and presented thoughtfully as a viable new course.”
James A. Baker, III
Richard Haass has long been a keen observer of the US position on the world stage, and his must-read book is no exception. Haass rightly explains that if the United States is to continue fulfilling the leadership role it has had since World War II, our country must be more restrained in what it does abroad and put its house in order at home by defusing the looming fiscal debt bomb that threatens our national security and global standing.”
Synopsis
"A concise, comprehensive guide to America's critical policy choices at home and overseas . . . without a partisan agenda, but with a passion for solutions designed to restore our country's strength and enable us to lead." -- Madeleine K. Albright A rising China, climate change, terrorism, a nuclear Iran, a turbulent Middle East, and a reckless North Korea all present serious challenges to America's national security. But it depends even more on the United States addressing its burgeoning deficit and debt, crumbling infrastructure, second class schools, and outdated immigration system. While there is currently no great rival power threatening America directly, how long this strategic respite lasts, according to Council on Foreign Relations President Richard N. Haass, will depend largely on whether the United States puts its own house in order.
Haass lays out a compelling vision for restoring America's power, influence, and ability to lead the world and advocates for a new foreign policy of Restoration that would require the US to limit its involvement in both wars of choice, and humanitarian interventions.
Offering essential insight into our world of continual unrest, this new edition addresses the major foreign and domestic debates since hardcover publication, including US intervention in Syria, the balance between individual privacy and collective security, and the continuing impact of the sequester.
About the Author
Richard N. Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations since July 2003, was previously director of policy planning for the Department of State, where he was a principal advisor to Colin Powell. From 1989-1993, he was special assistant to President George H. W. Bush and senior director for the Near East and South Asia on the staff of the National Security Council. Haass also served in the Reagan and Carter administrations. The recipient of the State Departments Distinguished Honor Award and the Presidential Citizens Medal, he is the author or editor of twelve other books. Haass lives in New York City.
Table of Contents
Foreword to the Paperback EditionIntroduction
PART I: The Return of History
Brave New World
American Primacy
Chinas Rise
A Post-European World
The Wannabe Major Powers
The Global Gap
Reasons for Optimism
Reason for Worry
The Middle East Morass
The Consequences of Historys Return
PART II: Restoration Abroad
Doctrines and Democracy
Saving Lives
Taking on Terrorists
Integration
Restoration
A Defensible Defense
Part III: Restoration at Home
The Deficit and the Debt
Energy
Education
Infrastructure
Immigration
Economic Growth
Politics
Conclusion