Glenn Hastedt’s clear and succinct introduction to the field prepares students to think about America’s changing role in the world and to develop the critical thinking skills needed to participate in the debate about the conduct and content of American foreign policy. He begins by asking “What do we mean by foreign policy and what is the national interest?” Next, Hastedt looks to the past and examines the defining experiences that have helped to shape American foreign policy today. Third, he looks at how American foreign policy is made in the current hyperpartisan political climate. Here Hastedt examines the various institutions and how they come together to make policy, as well as the policy instruments available to decision makers. And finally, he encourages students to wonder, “What’s next?”

The eleventh edition reflects the latest headlines, including more extensive discussions of hybrid warfare, cyber wars, drones, and an assessment of Obama’s foreign policy. There are new case studies on ISIS, authorization of force resolutions, women in combat, the climate agreement, the Iran nuclear agreement, Obama’s opening to Cuba, and the future of COIN. And new Historical Lessons boxes feature the War Powers Act, the integration of the military, the Kyoto Agreement, NAFTA, and Afghanistan.

Glenn P. Hastedt is professor of political science and justice studies at James Madison University where he teaches courses on American foreign policy and international relations.