Misreading the Public: The Myth of a New Isolationism [Paperback]

Steven Kull (Author), I. M. Destler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1999

Do American policymakers really know what the American public wants in U.S. foreign policy? Through extensive interviews with members of the policy community, the authors reveal a pervasive belief--especially in Congress--that, in the wake of the cold war, the public is showing a new isolationism: opposition to foreign aid, hostility to the United Nations, and aversion to contributing U.S. troops to peacekeeping operations. This view of the public has in turn had a significant impact on U.S. foreign policy. However, through a comprehensive review of polling data, as well as focus groups, the authors show that all these beliefs about the public are myths. The public does complain that the United States is playing the role of dominant world leader more than it should, but this does not lead to a desire to withdraw. Instead people prefer to share responsibility with other nations, particularly through the UN. The authors offer explanations of how such a misperception can occur and suggest ways to improve communication between the public and policymakers, including better presentation of polling data and more attention by practitioners to a wider public.

Product Details

• Paperback: 330 pages
• Publisher: Brookings Institution Press (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815717652
• ISBN-13: 978-0815717652
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,225,485 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not just for school anymore!, August 1, 2010

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A.D. Jr. "curmudgeon" (East Coast USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Misreading the Public: The Myth of a New Isolationism (Paperback)

I bought this title for school, but it is so interesting, I think I will read it from cover to cover after the class is over. With poli sci classes like this one, you have to buy several texts, but you only read portions of it for the course. This one I will definitely be reading on my own. The public has a right to know the truths contained therein!