Description
Book SynopsisOffers both a theory of how the domestic political context affects foreign policy decisions in general and a fresh interpretation of FDR's post-Munich policies based on the insights that the theory provides. This book develops a political approach to decision-making.
Trade Review"A valiant and admirable effort to bring together international-relations theory and historical evidence (however anecdotal)... No book better re-creates Roosevelt's awareness of the aviation age; it belongs on the scholar's shelf."--Warren F. Kimball, The Times Literary Supplement "Farnham argues with great clarity and commendable force that the Munich crisis played a decisive role in determining for Roosevelt that German aims in Europe ... posed a direct threat to long-term US security."--Diplomacy and Statecraft "Using her theory of political decision making, Farnham effectively weaves together the diverse and contradictory aspects of Roosevelt's policy into a coherent description of a president intent on acting to address American security needs but responsive to domestic political restraints... She makes a strong case, worthy of consideration."--T. Michael Ruddy, History "It is refreshing to see a work that takes a different point of view and argues it vigorously, backed with ample evidence... [An] interesting and worthy read."--Mark J. Rozell, APSA Journal "In this fine book, Barbara Farnham describes and explains Franklin D. Roosevelt's policies and actions toward the Munich crisis of 1938, its background, and its aftermath. She advances a clear thesis that she develops consistently throughout the book. She is perceptive, fair, and balanced in her analyses."--Wayne S. Cole, Diplomatic History "[An] impressive scholarly achievement ...The book is very readable."--Stephen G. Walker, American Political Science Review
Table of ContentsPrefaceAbbreviations Used in the FootnotesCh. IRoosevelt, the Munich Crisis, and Political Decision-Making3Ch. IIThe Political Approach to Decision-Making19Ch. IIIThe "Watershed" between Two Wars: 1936-193849Ch. IVThe Munich Crisis91Ch. VAssessing the Munich Crisis137Ch. VIDealing with the Consequences of Munich173Ch. VIIImplications for History and Theory228App. ATraditional Approaches to Decision-Making245App. BAnalyzing the Calculus of Political Feasibility: The Nature of the Acceptability Constraint259App. CThe Traditional Political Strategies265Bibliography273Index301
