Faces of power

Seyom Brown's authoritative account of U.S. foreign policy from the end of World War II to the present challenges common assumptions about American presidents and their struggles with power and purpose. He reveals Truman's deeper anguish over the atomic bomb, Eisenhower and George W. Bush's significant involvement in policy formulation, Reagan's transformative worldview during his presidency, and Obama's military strategies mirroring Nixon and Kissinger's Vietnam exit. Brown's analyses of Obama's counterterrorism policies, responses to upheavals in the Middle East, nuclear proliferation prevention, and managing territorial expansion by China and Russia reinforce the theme of "constancy and change." This theme illustrates how the role of the U.S. as a global power transforms the occupant of the Oval Office more than the occupant can influence the world. Praise for previous editions highlights Brown's clear analysis and systematic approach, making it a valuable contribution to Cold War literature. Reviewers commend its comprehensive nature, thoroughness, and engaging writing style, affirming its suitability for both undergraduate and graduate courses. Brown's unique perspective on U.S. policy, focusing on how decision makers perceive their adversaries, offers an important and insightful analysis worthy of careful reading.