This is not a perfect book. It has more than its fair share of flaws. There are a number of glaring factual, terminological, and stylistic errors that are downright cringe-worthy. For example, in one place, the author refers to James Madison as the second President of the United States (Madison was actually the fourth president); in another place, he refers to "ionized" radiation from nuclear weapons (the correct term is "ionizing" radiation); and, in another place, he refers to the British foreign intelligence service as the "Strategic Intelligence Service" (it is actually called the "Secret Intelligence Service"). I blame poor editing more than anything else. The errors in this book are mistakes that any writer (even a noted foreign policy, national security, and intelligence expert like Loch Johnson) is liable to make when quickly throwing together a first draft. But these errors should have been caught and corrected in the editing process before the book went to print. The errors are certainly a distraction; but their significance should not be overstated. This is NOT a perfect book; but it IS a good book. And, as the saying goes, the perfect is the enemy of the good. To dismiss this book because of its imperfections would be to toss the baby out with the bathwater. Some of the most informative books I've ever read have been riddled with far worse errors than are found in this text. So, if we are willing to overlook the annoying factual, terminological, and stylistic errors -- which can be attributed to poor editing -- and focus instead on the substantive points that Johnson is trying to make, we find a book that is worthy of serious consideration.
First of all, the introductory chapter presents a truly excellent overview of the history of American foreign policy from the founding of the republic to the present day. It is succinct, and doesn't get bogged down in unnecessary details; yet it is thorough and nuanced enough to provide readers with a good understanding of how American foreign policy has developed over the years -- what has remained constant, what has changed, and what forces have shaped America's relations with the rest of the world. After this excellent introduction, Johnson turns to his critique of American foreign policy; focusing on seven "sins" that have plagued American foreign policy throughout recent history, and devoting a chapter to each: 1) Ignorance; 2) Executive Branch Dominance; 3) Excessive Emphasis on the Military; 4) Unilateralism; 5) Isolationism; 6) Lack of Empathy; and 7) Arrogance. In his concluding chapter Johnson identifies "the good, the bad, and the ugly" of American foreign policy since the end of World War II -- i.e. where we got it right, where we got it wrong, and where we shot ourselves in the foot. You may not agree with all of Johnson's conclusions; but you cannot dismiss the importance of his critique. The issues that Johnson addresses represent the most salient debates in American foreign policy today.
Johnson tries to be evenhanded; giving credit where he believes credit is due, and criticism where he believes criticism is due, in a non-partisan and non-ideological manner. This is neither a harangue against, nor a paean for, any particular president, party, or political philosophy. Johnson has plenty of constructive criticism to spread around; acknowledging the foreign policy blunders of every president since the end of the Second World War. But he is also quite willing to recognize the good along with the bad. While he is highly critical of the Bush Doctrine, the war in Iraq, and the neoconservative approach to foreign policy, he is no Bush basher. His view of American foreign policy under the Bush administration is mixed -- more negative than positive, perhaps; but not entirely negative by a long shot. The same could be said for his view of American foreign policy under the Clinton administration, the Reagan administration, the Carter administration, etc. He is not an apologist for any administration, recognizing that all American presidents have been guilty of the "sins" he identifies.
Johnson advocates a pragmatic foreign policy that will advance American interests without provoking unnecessary conflict or animosity abroad. He is neither a quixotic idealist nor a coldblooded realist. Rather, he steers a prudent middle course -- one that is consistent with our core values, but that is cognizant of the realities of the world we live in, and of the extent and limits of our power. Johnson makes a good argument in support of his conclusions; but he also gives a fair shake to opposing points of view. You may not agree with all of Johnson's conclusions; but you should find his discussion very thought provoking. This book is ideal as a catalyst for discussion; and would be very suitable for classroom use. I plan to use this book in my own foreign policy courses; and would certainly recommend it to anyone interested in American foreign policy.
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