“Grand strategy isn’t for amateurs. Fortunately, as Rich Outzen demonstrates in his new book, he’s a professional—a soldier, diplomat, and scholar who directly participated in the turbulent three decades of foreign policy he analyses. Historians will long study that period as an example of nearly unlimited power misapplied, undermining a global order which the US thought it had secured in perpetuity. Dr. Outzen's scholarly analysis shows how we went wrong and where assumptions led the nation astray.” —Ambassador James Jeffrey (ret.)
”Do coercive sanctions work as an instrument of US policy? Moreover, when they fail, do they increase or hurt America’s credibility and standing globally? Outzen does a terrific job answering these questions, and others, in this book, a meticulously researched, deeply analytical, and yet, flowing opus magnum. In the age of great power competition, Outzen’s book is a must-read for anyone—from graduate students studying foreign policy to practitioners implementing it—interested in setting a future course for US foreign policy.” —Dr. Soner Cagaptay, The Washington Institute
”This excellent work examines American coercive diplomacy in the post-Cold War era. The record is largely one of failure, as the US has been unable to effectively coordinate such efforts over time. Despite vast material capabilities, Washington lacks relevant core competencies, and in their absence, optimism isn't the solution - it's the problem. Outzen provides rigorous argumentation and method in this study of foreign policy outcomes. It's also rich with policy implications supporting coercive diplomacy that is more hard-nosed, effective, modest, and realistic.” —Dr. Colin Dueck, George Mason University
“A dangerous era of great power competition is again upon us. Yet too few are asking the hardest questions, including, how—after decades of unprecedented American economic and military power—do we again find ourselves here? With his unique background in both the military and diplomatic worlds, Outzen’s examination of cases goes beyond arms-length investigation to the hands-on application of American influence and (in)competency. Was America’s brand of coercive diplomacy flawed from the start, or did poor execution doom ambitious policies? This refreshingly practical approach is a must-read.” —The Honorable Mary Beth Long, former Assistant Secretary of Defense
