Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs Season 3, Episode 1: John Mearsheimer, How States Think: The Rationality of Foreign Policy
Nov 7, 2023
Political scientist John Mearsheimer joins Jeffrey Sachs to discuss his book on the rationality of foreign policy. They analyze historical case studies, including the US invasion of Iraq, and explore the rationality of states in decision-making. The podcast covers topics such as the Ukraine war, NATO expansion, and the role of diplomacy in foreign policy.
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Rationality in Foreign Policy
- States are generally rational in foreign policy, using deliberation based on plausible theories.
- However, irrational actions like the 2003 Iraq invasion exist.
Putin's Actions: Rational or Irrational?
- Putin's actions in Ukraine are often labeled irrational, but Mearsheimer argues they're rational.
- Putin balances against NATO expansion, a predictable response in line with realist theory.
Predicting Russian Opposition
- William Burns' 2008 memo predicted Russia's unified opposition to NATO's expansion into Ukraine.
- This memo, revealed by WikiLeaks, highlights the importance of transparency in assessing state actions.