Myths of Empire: Domestic Politics and International Ambition (Cornell Studies in Security Affairs) [Paperback]

Jack Snyder (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 28, 1993 | Series: Cornell Studies in Security Affairs

Overextension is the common pitfall of empires. Why does it occur? What are the forces that cause the great powers of the industrial era to pursue aggressive foreign policies? Jack Snyder identifies recurrent myths of empire, describes the varieties of overextension to which they lead, and criticizes the traditional explanations offered by historians and political scientists. He tests three competing theories—realism, misperception, and domestic coalition politics—against five detailed case studies: early twentieth-century Germany, Japan in the interwar period, Great Britain in the Victorian era, the Soviet Union after World War II, and the United States during the Cold War. The Resulting insights run counter to much that has been written about these apparently familiar instances of empire building.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A superb analysis of one of the most dangerous ills that can beset the foreign policy of a great power. Political scientists will benefit from Snyder's mastery of history and the challenging case he makes for the significance of the politics of domestic coalitions as the root of overextension."—Michael Doyle

"In support of his case, Snyder draws upon recent research into the determinant of foreign policy of the leading powers since the mid-19th century. . . . Historians and still more international relations specialists will find much of interest in this analysis."—Times Higher Education Supplement

"Myths of Empire offers the best-developed theory to date of the domestic sources of international conflict and security policy. . . .Snyder has taken a major step toward ending the theoretical impoverishment of the study of the domestic sources of international conflict."—Jack Levy, American Political Science Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: Cornell University Press (March 28, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801497647
• ISBN-13: 978-0801497643
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 0.9 x 6.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #390,016 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A very interesting thesis October 28, 2005

By John F. Daniel

Format:Paperback

A unique look at how domestic politics lead to imperial over-stretch. A classic in the poli sci field that will guide thinkers for years to come.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant. May 27, 2008

By Dani K. Nedal

Format:Paperback

Snyder's well researched and beautifully written piece is of immense empirical and theoretical value, trying to explain overxpansion, countering the limited application of Neorealism to foreign policy and severely injuring strategic-culture explanations (whose origins are attributed to Snyder himself in the late 70's!).