Amazon.com
Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger asks a question in the title of his book Does America Need a Foreign Policy?--but there's really no doubt about the answer. That's not to say it shouldn't be asked: "The last presidential election was the third in a row in which foreign policy was not seriously discussed by the candidates," writes Kissinger. "In the face of perhaps the most profound and widespread upheavals the world has ever seen, [the United States] has failed to develop concepts relevant to the emerging realities." Kissinger tours the world in this book, describing how the United States should relate to various regions and countries. This is not a gripping book, but it is sober, accessible, brief, and comprehensive--and an excellent introduction to international relations and diplomacy.
Kissinger has opinions on just about every topic he raises, from globalization (for it) to international courts (against them, for the most part). He supports a vigorous missile-defense system: "The United States cannot condemn its population to permanent vulnerability." He opines on peace in the Middle East: "Israel should abandon its opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state except as part of a final status agreement." His claims are often eye-opening: "There are few nations in the world with which the United States has less reason to quarrel or more compatible interests than Iran." He is especially critical of domestic politics interfering with America's international relations: "Whatever the merit of the individual legislative actions, their cumulative effect drives American foreign policy toward unilateral and seemingly bullying conduct." The media has been a special problem in this regard, as it zips around the world in search of exciting but ephemeral stories, which are "generally presented as a morality play between good and evil having a specific outcome and rarely in terms of the long-range challenges of history." Does America need a foreign policy? Of course it does, and Henry Kissinger has done readers a service by outlining what a good one might be. --John J. Miller
Book Description
In this timely, thoughtful, and important book, at once far-seeing and brilliantly readable, America's most famous diplomatist explains why we urgently need a new and coherent foreign policy and what our foreign policy goals should be in this new millennium. In seven accessible chapters, Does America Need a Foreign Policy? provides a crystalline assessment of how the United States' ascendancy as the world's dominant presence in the twentieth century may be effectively reconciled with the urgent need in the twenty-first century to achieve a bold new world order. With a new Afterword by the author that addresses the situation in the aftermath of September 11, Does America Need a Foreign Policy? asks and answers the most pressing questions of our nation today.
Download Description
America's most famous diplomat delivers his eye-opening take on the country's current role as the world's dominant imperial power. He offers both an invaluable perspective on the state of the union in global affairs, as well as a detailed prescription on how we must proceed. By examining America's present and future relations with Russia, China, Europe and the Middle East, as well as our current issues with globalization, military intervention, and free trade, Dr. Kissinger lays out a compelling and comprehensively drawn vision for American policy that is sure to garner intense debate and discussion throughout the country, especially as we begin a new presidency and a new millennium.
Customer Reviews:
A Diplomatic World Tour .......2007-02-10
Dr. Kissinger dissects the world into their geopolitical grouping, and discusses where current trends are taking each group. The book may be a little outdated since 911 and world terrorism was pushed to front stage, but generally the geopolitical groups remain. A united Europe dealing with a Russia once again as a rising power, the Middle East and the consequences of China becoming a mature power. As a reader that was of draft age during the Vietnam war it was ironic to read that Dr.Kissinger believes that the USA should not be a major player in the far East, but a better plan would be to play the power broker for the rivaling countries referencing Britain's role in regard to the powers on the European continent during the era of Napoleon.
This book is an easy read, very understandable. I read this book because the USA is always criticized for having no foreign policy every time World events hit us broadside.
Does America Need a Foreign Policy? ... by Dr.Kissinger PhD.......2006-07-07
Dr.Kissinger discusses the waning influence of Russia and the
rising Chinese modernization program. The author asks that we
develop a bond and new world order rather than a sheepish
acceptance of whatever happens over time. American pre-eminence
is a concommitant part of our ultimate destiny. The Treaty of
Westphalia in 1848 set forth the policy of national soverignty.
This policy implementation has been in place for decades since that time.
There is a new concept of Universal Humanitarianism and Jurisdiction by individual nations or even groups. Currently,
the historic nation states group together in order to formulate
strategies which benefit all. NAFTA is a clear example of this
doctrine in implementation. In the past, far lesser alliances and
transformations lead to big wars. The author believes that
nuclear proliferation renders war less likely because of the
strategic congruence of interests and stakes.
Currently, India, China, Russia and Japan treat each other as
strategic rivals. Previously, the Atlantic Relationship lasted
due to Russia, the unification of Germany and a growing European
identity. Russia proclaimed a zone of special influence in the
Balkans. Asia's challenge is how to prevent neighbors from
joining coalitions against it. The Middle East and Africa are
in a considerable state of flux. According to Dr.Kissinger,
humanitarianism is limited by our willingness to pay an
incremental price which may or may not be the ultimate price.
The book is a good historic rendition of the previous approaches
to global challenges, the new challenges posed and the strategic
interests aligned for the future.
Grand tour of the world situation.......2006-06-17
This is a grand tour of the world situations facing the US. Henry shows great insight in showing how cultural values in different countries are misunderstood by US ambassadors, who are political apointees based on contributing to the party. One interesting aspect is the subtle condemnations of the Clinton foreign policy being incompetent and ineffective.
A classic overview but largely irrelevant in the current times........2006-05-10
Kissinger writes with authority but- considering his past- why woudn't he! I guess because geo- politics is such a dynamic field, foreign policies need constant updates with times. For example, Kissinger's book gives us no idea how to steer American foreign policy vis-a-vis rise of strong modern Russia in international politics, American muddle in Iraq, defiant Iran and dangerous hermit kingdom of North Korea that has invented an entirely new art of nuclear blackmail/ threats in international relations.
Besides,I do not think Kissinger's advice on leaving violent world conflicts alone is either humanist or Christian or keeping up with the notion of America as the world's most powerful democracy and the land of liberty.
Not doing the right thing is tantamount to doing the wrong thing. Foreign policy of America ought to run according to the democratic and liberal principles America itself was founded upon. Bit of exercise of such a humane approach could have stopped massive human tragedies, horrifying genocides like Rawanda and brutal tyrannies like Uzbekistan.
American support and goodwill for human freedom in the world can only have positive impact on America's international image and trade. Compare such humane/ noble/ righteous actions to the weird approach of propping up dictators in Latin America, Iraq (Saddam Hussein), Afghanistan (Taliban) that super cool think tanks in the State Department have carried on in the past. What in the name of sweet hell were they thinking ? Maybe Mr. Kissinger knows better.
Also, dark side of hidden foreign policies and covert criminal operations/ cover-ups without the proper knowledge of citizens is in fact a betrayal. Having said that, Kissinger's overview is infiormative and interesting personal slant/study.
Alternative media sources are very important for informed public opinion. I recommend upcoming book by Craig Murray, 'Murder in Samarkand' that unveils the dark underbelly of foreign offices and their policies that are barely considerate of human freedom or dignity.
Unbelievable Timing - Destined for Historical Study.......2006-01-25
This book has been described as Kissinger-light by some people I know. What that means is it doesn't get bogged down on every detail. Instead, it is a very readable book that people with only a modicum of international knowledge can still enjoy. It basically is a summary of U.S. foreign policy since it was forged as a nation.
Kissinger outlines each region of the world and then analyzes them with a uniquely discerning mind. The thrust of this book is how America went from its cold-war strategy in world affairs up until the summer before 9/11. Kissinger analyzes Clinton's attempts to develop a new policy and then shows how Clinton fumbled and floundered in every attempt outside our shores.
The best thing about this book and the reason it will be a classic for history students is its timing. The book ends just before 9/11 happened. I can not think of a better person than the foremost expert in world affairs to write a compendium just prior to such a watershed mark in world history.
This book will serve as the best tool of knowing just what was going on in the world and where things were heading prior to that fateful day that changed everyone's idea of what was happening in the world.
With the exception of a few fanatics that think they are still living in the sixties, Everyone knows that Kissinger is a brilliant man that is not easily matched on the world level. Kissinger's ability as Secretary of State was unprecedented in the 20th century and will not easily be surpassed in the 21st. His ability to analyze the minutia of details and events throughout the globe is awesome. The fact is when Kissinger speaks everyone with an interest in foreign affairs takes it serious and does not balk at what he has to say. There is no one else on the scene today that commands that kind of respect.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Historian, published by Thomson Gale on June 22, 2003. The length of the article is 564 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Does America Need a Foreign Policy? Toward a Diplomacy for the 21st Century.(Book Review)
Author: Sean Kay
Publication:
The Historian (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 22, 2003
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 65
Issue: 4
Page: 1006(2)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Chinese Journal of International Law, published by Thomson Gale on September 22, 2004. The length of the article is 2158 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Henry Kissinger, Does America Need a Foreign Policy?(Book Review)
Author: Christopher F. Gray
Publication:
Chinese Journal of International Law (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 22, 2004
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 3
Issue: 2
Page: 683
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
This digital document is an article from First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life, published by Institute on Religion and Public Life on October 1, 2001. The length of the article is 935 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Morality and moralism. (The Public Square)(Cover Story).(Review)
Author: Richard Neuhaus
Publication:
First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life (Refereed)
Date: October 1, 2001
Publisher: Institute on Religion and Public Life
Page: 81(2)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
This digital document is an article from World Policy Journal, published by World Policy Institute on September 22, 2001. The length of the article is 6638 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: The Quicksands of Realism. (Books).(E. H. Carr: A Critical Appraisal)(Hans J. Morgenthau: An Intellectual Biography)(Does America Need a Foreign Policy?) (book review)
Author: Karl E. Meyer
Publication:
World Policy Journal (Refereed)
Date: September 22, 2001
Publisher: World Policy Institute
Volume: 18
Issue: 3
Page: 89(11)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
Serbia and Montenegro has recently come to the attention to global strategic planners. This report puts these executives on the fast track. Ten chapters provide: an overview of how to strategically access this important market, a discussion on economic fundamentals, marketing & distribution options, export and direct investment options, and full risk assessments (political, cultural, legal, human resources). Ample statistical benchmarks and comparative graphs are given.
Book Description
This very special book has already changed the lives of thousands of people around the world in every imaginable business and from every walk of life. You have picked it up because you are ready for its gifts. Enthusiastically embraced by leading organizations such as Microsoft, FedEx, Nortel Networks, IBM, General Motors, and Arthur Andersen, Leadership Wisdom from The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is one of the most innovative, effective and remarkable books you will ever read on the topic of showing leadership in your work and within your life. Written by leadership guru and renowned professional speaker Robin Sharma, this deeply inspiring work reveals a remarkable step-by-step system that will restore trust, commitment, and spirit within your organization while transforming the way you think, feel, and live in the process.
With masterful insight and brilliant simplicity, Robin Sharma has distilled some of the most powerful wisdom available for both professional and personal leadership into 8 immensely practical lessons that leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs can immediately apply to send morale and productivity soaring in these topsy-turvy times while creating far more fulfilling inner lives along the way. After reading this book, you will come away feeling genuinely moved to become a true leader who touches lives, adds deeper value to the world, and leaves a beautiful legacy that lasts.
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding.......2007-01-16
Unlike ordinary leadership books, this gives insigthful information, timeless 'good practices' and ideas that are just absolutely amazing
A story book giving bad name to the real Himalayas Sages........2006-04-14
I am really surprised to see so many good reviews on this book. (Good reviews coming from Mark Victor Hensen, Paulo Coelho and so on!)
This book should be renamed as: "GlobalView Software Solutions is one of the best software companies in the world"
The story in this book is not a true story. Please judge for yourself:
1. Author's best friend Julian went to India. "But during his first months in India, the wisdom he sought eluded him."(p.25) And then later on, he went to Himalayas by himself. Julian had been working in a corporate world most of his life and he did not know Hindi or other less common languages, how did he communiate with the Great Sages of Sivana?
2. Julian was fat and sick and he did not have any mountain climbing equipments. And he managed to climb Himalayas all by himself!
3. The Great Sages of Sivana have been hiding in the mountains for years and years. How would they aware of "the turmoil [our] world is in." (p.28) Remember the Great Sages have no access to newspapers, TV, radio, cables, magazines, books and internet!
4. (p.38) "This wise leader of the Great Sages of Sivana believed that all failure, whether in the business world or in one's personal life, could ultimately to be traced back to a failure in leadership. Companies don't perform...." I have been thinking: this doesn't sound like something coming from the mouth of a monk. Instead, it sounds like a speech of a corporate CEO or a chairman in an annual meeting. I really don't think a Sage with great wisdom would care about running a company. Seriously.
The author put trademarks on the following items:
* Leader Lead Thyself
* See what All See, Think What None Think
* Reward Routinely, Recognize Relentlessly
This is just like putting a trademark on: "Love thy neighbour" (from the Bible).
The author has been so successful and a monk with great wisdom would come all the way from Himalayas to help him, so that the the author can become even more successful. ***Think about this: If you WERE that monk, wouldn't you go and help people in Africa or North Korea, rather than assisting a successful businessman in the US?
This book makes sure I will not buy any books from Robin Sharma again. There are many other good books of leadership and spirituality in Amazon.
Nice and simple, but nothing more..........2005-08-18
This book is very light and entertaining. However, the story is an ill-concocted version of the Seven Habits of highly effective people by Dr. Stephen Covy, which is, by the way, the book you should REALLY get.
Contrary to this lame copied version of poor story-telling, the Seven Habits is a very deep and moving book. It has substance and depth and if you are prepared to listen, it will change you life.
Ok, back to this book... the book is alright I guess, if not for the very annoying fact that the story is completely based in the Seven Habits, it shows a lighter version of the habits that may be entertaining, or otherwise a good way to get into the habits. Who knows, it may lead you to the other book, which is good.
If you prefer substance over "lightness", don't get this book. Furthermore, as another reviewer puts it, is poorly writen.
I'm only giving two stars over one, because the habits in which it is based are really something to look into...
Useful Wisdom, Annoying Delivery.......2005-06-22
PRO: Useful quotations, meaningful wisdom, well organized, good summaries.
CON: Artificial fable, phony dialogue, and self congratulatory style of writing.
Although I did get some useful ideas, Sharma has such an annoying style that it's distracting. For example:
* He puts a little Trademark symbol next to many of his ideas, like "Leadership Audit" or "Weekly Sabbatical" or "The Wow Question" or "Aggressive Listening." He even tries to Trademark the title of his book (which you cannot do!). His ideas are not that original and trying to trademark them is so amateurish and annoying.
* The conversations are contrived and artificial. In fact the whole fable feels fake. I'm not sure how to improve it, but it just doesn't feel right.
* He pats himself on the back in the conversations. For example, when the monk tells Peter (the regular guy) something, Peter responds, "Fascinating" or "That's remarkable" or "Amazing." I'm not joking. He writes this. So it's hard for me to separate the fact that the author is basically saying that he is so great.
CONCLUSION: The book has wisdom and can be digested quickly. But Sharma's writing style and story are so annoying that it detracts from the message. Try another book.
Leadership Wisdom: by Robin Sharma.......2005-05-19
The author of Leadership Wisdom, Robin Sharma, provides the reader with insights into how to become a visionary leader. The objective is to help leaders transform businesses into thriving organisations, in this era of rapid changes. He has a down-to-earth way of expressing his powerful solutions for today's most pressing leadership issues. The book is devoid of jargon, which makes it easy to follow for anyone wishing to improve his or her leadership skills.
Leadership Wisdom is a simple but captivating story on leadership. It teaches personal development, effectiveness and individual happiness. It teaches individuals to fulfil themselves in this hectic age. The book incorporates the tools of transformation into a simple philosophy of living.
The book is very informative, easy to read and extremely helpful in equipping individuals with leadership skills.
Book Description
This valuable business guidebook provides business owners nationwide with everything they will need to incorporate in any state without using an attorney.
Customer Reviews:
The business of incorporating..........2004-09-07
Anyone trying to incorporate their business knows it's a tedious process with lots of research necessary. INCORPORATE NOW! has taken everything one needs to know and rolled it into one book detailing how to go about things with examples to help in the process. Author Daniel Sitarz includes brief summaries of the various types of corporations, legal forms, checklists, and other tools to quickly assess what's involved with incorporation.
A plus to the book is that in addition to all of the above items, it includes a CD-ROM of the actual forms that you can print off or fill in on the screen. Additionally, the author has included information for incorporating in the continental United States with fees associated with each state, mailing addresses, and a wealth of information specific to that state.
While I did find this book informational and a great tool, I've already done a lot of research on the various types of incorporations so I had some understanding of the terms. Someone brand new to the language of incorporation would probably need something a bit more detailed that goes more in depth and offers pros and cons to each option. That person could then fully utilize this wonderful resource for the small business entrepreneur.
Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Simple and informative but the CD templates DO NOT MATCH.......2004-08-18
This is a good simple book on incorporation in any of the 50 states. It includes plain English descriptions of the requirements and responsibilities of corporations. However, the Adobe PDF forms on the CD in some cases do not match the content of the book.
Everything you need no matter what your state.......2004-06-24
If you are considering trying to incorporate your business without a lawyer, "Incorporate Now!" provides all the forms you will need to get the job done. Incorporation instructions include details such as minimum shareholders, S-Corporations election (and why you might want to do elect it), minimum capitalization requirements, tax effects, and just about everything else you might need to know. It doesn't matter what state you live in or what state you want to incorporate in, information is provided for every state.
Forms to be used for standard business transactions are also included in the book. For example, there are forms for board meetings, shareholder meetings, authorizing contracts, authorizing the sale of real estate, authorizing the borrowing of money, appointing a lawyer, appointing an accountant, authorizing stock transfers, and pretty much every other situation where you might need a form you will find the fill-in-the-blank document here.
In addition to the book, all the forms are also included on the CDROM so you can print them out easily or fill them in right on your computer. Every form that you can think of for just about any situation is included in this book and on the CDROM. It is easily the most extensive set of forms of any similar book I have seen. Author Daniel Sitarz also provides checklists, worksheets, and information for each item so you will understand their purpose and be able to fill them out intelligently.
This book is an excellent resource if you have already made the decision to incorporate, however it is not very useful in helping you make that decision. It does provide some background and comparison of different forms of business but it is somewhat cursory and leaves out many important details. (For example, if an S-Corporation pays for life insurance or health insurance for an officer it does not get to deduct those costs from their tax return. But if a C-Corporation pays those expenses it does get to deduct them from its tax return.) Then again, it makes no claim that it provides a full analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of a corporation. In fact the author states "The decision of which business entity to choose depends upon many factors and should be carefully studied. If the choice is to operate a business as a corporation or S-corporation, this book will provide an array of easy-to-use legal forms which will, in most cases, allow the business owner to start and operate the corporation with minimal difficulty while meeting all of the legal paperwork requirements." Since such an analysis is intentionally not a part of the book it should not be considered a shortcoming. I only mention it here to make the potential purchaser aware that it is not discussed here and such advice should be sought elsewhere. The author's point is well made; if the decision to incorporate has already been made then this book provides everything you need to make that happen.
While this book is appropriate for anyone seeking a basic incorporation for their business it is not appropriate for a non-profit corporation. If you are a non-profit seeking to incorporate there are different requirements for some of the items (like a mandatory clause that upon dissolution all assets will be distributed only to other non-profit corporations in most states). Except for this specialized situation of a non-profit corporation "Incorporate Now!" is thorough, explains things well, and is a highly recommended purchase for anyone seeking to incorporate.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Issues in Science and Technology, published by National Academy of Sciences on June 22, 2002. The length of the article is 7048 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Memory faults and fixes: research has revealed the limits of human memory; now the courts need to incorporate these findings into their procedures.
Author: Elizabeth F. Loftus
Publication:
Issues in Science and Technology (Refereed)
Date: June 22, 2002
Publisher: National Academy of Sciences
Volume: 18
Issue: 4
Page: 41(10)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Photo Marketing, published by Photo Marketing Association International on October 1, 2003. The length of the article is 1351 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Pushing the right buttons: major retailers across Canada, and now the United States, incorporate PhotoChannel solution to offer online photofinishing.(Feature)
Author: Don Long
Publication:
Photo Marketing (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 1, 2003
Publisher: Photo Marketing Association International
Volume: 78
Issue: 10
Page: 20(3)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Books:
- Economic Freedom of the World, 2004: Annual Report (Economic Freedom of the World)
- Energy Economics: A Modern Introduction
- Exploring the Black Box: Technology, Economics, and History
- Farm to Factory: A Reinterpretation of the Soviet Industrial Revolution (Princeton Economic History of the Western World)
- Fast Food, Fast Track? Immigrants, Big Business, and the American Dream
- Financing Education in a Climate of Change (9th Edition)
- Forging Industrial Policy: The United States, Britain, and France in the Railway Age
- From Product Description to Cost: A Practical Approach: Volume 2: Building a Specific Model (Decision Engineering)
- From Tank Town to High Tech: The Clash of Community and Industrial Cycles (Suny Series in the Anthropology of Work)
- General Equilibrium and Welfare Economics: An Introduction
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Why Geography Matters: Three Challenges Facing America: Climate Change, the Rise of China, and Globa
- Tactics of the Crescent Moon: Militant Muslim Combat Methods
- Evolutionary Aesthetics
- Human Aging: Biological Perspectives
- Limnology: Lake and River Ecosystems
- Staffing Organizations
- Rashomon Gate: A Mystery of Ancient Japan
- karlssonwilker inc.'s TELLMEWHY: The First 24 Months of a New York Design Company
- Independent Builder: Designing & Building a House Your Own Way
- Forest Plants of Northeastern Ontario
International
| Current Events
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Diplomacy (A Touchstone Book)
Kissinger: A Biography
Ending the Vietnam War : A History of America's Involvement in and Extrication from the Vietnam War
Crisis : The Anatomy of Two Major Foreign Policy Crises: Based on the Record of Henry Kissinger's Hitherto Secret Telephone Conversations
The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers
