In 'A Superpower Transformed', Daniel J. Sargent examines how policymakers across three U.S. administrations navigated the challenges of the 1970s, including geopolitical shifts and economic globalization. The book provides insights into the Nixon, Ford, and Carter administrations' efforts to stabilize American influence amidst emerging global dilemmas. Sargent draws on archival documents and interviews to offer a comprehensive reinterpretation of this pivotal era in American foreign relations.
Dale Copeland's 'A World Safe for Commerce' investigates the profound impact of trade on the development and execution of American foreign policy. The book traces how the United States' pursuit of open markets and global commerce has influenced its diplomatic, military, and economic strategies throughout history. Copeland argues that the desire to secure access to foreign markets and resources has been a primary driver of American foreign policy decisions. The book examines key historical episodes, from the early republic to the present day, to illustrate the enduring connection between trade and American power. It offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between economic interests and national security in shaping the United States' role in the world.
Trump has been making some foreign policy moves I didn’t entirely expect. He seems determined to get a nuclear deal with Iran. He’s been public about his disagreements with Benjamin Netanyahu. He called Vladimir Putin “crazy.” And he keeps talking about wanting his legacy to be that of a peacemaker.
So what, at this point, can we say about Trump’s foreign policy? What is he trying to do, and how well is it working? If he succeeds, what might his legacy be?
Emma Ashford is a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, a foreign policy think tank, and the author of the forthcoming book “First Among Equals.” She comes from a school of thought that’s more sympathetic to the “America First” agenda than I typically am. But she’s also cleareyed about what is and isn’t working and the ways that Trump is an idiosyncratic foreign policy maker who isn’t always following an “America First” agenda himself.
Book Recommendations:
A Superpower Transformed by Daniel Sargent
The Strategy of Denial by Elbridge Colby
A World Safe for Commerce by Dale Copeland
Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com.
You can find the transcript and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.html
This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced by Elias Isquith. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris, with Kate Sinclair and Mary Marge Locker. Our senior engineer is Jeff Geld, with additional mixing by Aman Sahota. Our executive producer is Claire Gordon. The show’s production team also includes Marie Cascione, Annie Galvin, Rollin Hu, Marina King, Jan Kobal, Kristin Lin and Jack McCordick. Original music by Pat McCusker. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The director of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.
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