Retreat and its Consequences: American Foreign Policy and the Problem of World Order

Robert J. Lieber

doi:10.1017/CBO9781316493939

What are the consequences of retreat and retrenchment in foreign policy? In recent years, America has pulled back from its long-time role of international leadership. In doing so the Obama administration has sought to conciliate adversaries, shown indifference to allies; called upon the international community to step in; proclaimed and then disavowed 'red lines'; and preferred to lead from behind in the face of catastrophic civil war in Syria, ISIS barbarism in the Middle East and North Africa, Russia's predatory behavior in Eastern Europe, and China's muscle-flexing in East Asia. The consequences of this 'realist' experiment have been costly and painful, and it has caused the US to lose credibility with friends and foes. America retains the capacity to lead, but unless it resumes a more robust role, the world is likely to become a more dangerous place, with mounting threats not only to regional stability and international order, but to the national interests of America itself.

'In an age of excessive information, yet precious little contextual knowledge, Robert Lieber’s slim … new book … comes in handy. … Lieber’s profound knowledge of the issues combined with readable prose makes this difficult subject almost easy to grasp.'

Juliana Geran Pilon Source: Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs

'… an important and timely contribution to the ongoing debate regarding the wisdom and likely consequences of US strategic retrenchment. … Lieber’s book makes a vital contribution to contemporary debates on US foreign policy.'

Kyle Haynes Source: H-Net

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Retreat and its Consequences

American Foreign Policy and the Problem of World Order

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Contents

Frontmatter
pp i-iv

Dedication
pp v-vi

Contents
pp vii-viii

List of figures and tables
pp ix-x

Acknowledgments
pp xi-xii

Introduction
pp 1-5

1 - Foreign policy retreat and the problem of world order
pp 6-16

2 - Burden sharing with Europe: problems of capability and will
pp 17-45

3 - Middle East policy: regional conflicts and threats to national interest
pp 46-70

4 - BRICS: stakeholders or free-riders?
pp 71-88

5 - Retreat and its consequences
pp 89-111

6 - Can America still lead – and should it?
pp 112-138

Index
pp 139-142

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Retreat and its Consequences

American Foreign Policy and the Problem of World Order

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