This work is a unique single source for information on the foreign policy—wars, treaties, initiatives, and doctrines—of all 43 presidents of the United States.

From George Washington’s isolationism to the Monroe Doctrine of hemispheric right to domination to Teddy Roosevelt’s imperialism through George W. Bush’s global war against terror, U.S. foreign policy has charted a varied course. As the area where the president has the most freedom of action, foreign policy can, and often does, change precipitously, according to the incumbent’s view of the world. No other branch of government rivals the president’s role in America’s rise from liberal republic to global superpower.



This work brings together the scholarship of leading historians and political scientists to present in-depth examination of the foreign policy of each president of the United States. This thorough presentation covers all aspects of international relations; although the work is not primarily interpretive, it does not shy from pointing out both notable successes and failures. The book’s 43 essays present quick access to the whole of the history of American foreign policy.









42 essays—one per president—from leading historians and political scientists



Primary source documents such as Abraham Lincoln's first inaugural address, John L. O'Sullivan on manifest destiny, and James K. Polk’s war message



A detailed chronology provides a convenient overview of the whole history of American foreign policy



A bibliography following each section gives access to additional resources for more extensive research