Offering new readings of debates within the Wilson, Truman, Nixon, Bush, and Obama administrations, Hemmer asserts that heated debates, disagreements, and even confusions over U.S. grand strategy are not only normal but also...
American Foreign Policy Decision Making in the Middle East, 1979-1987
The book delves into the process of analogical reasoning in policymaking, highlighting how certain historical analogies influence decision-making while others are overlooked. It posits that analogies can shape the interests of policymakers rather than merely reflect their existing agendas. Through a detailed analysis of U.S. policy towards Iran from 1979 to 1987, it examines the contrasting approaches of the Carter and Reagan administrations, particularly in the context of the Hostage Crisis and the Iran-Contra Affair, illustrating the significant impact of historical lessons on contemporary decisions.