Periphery Foreign Policy: The Evolving Margins of US International Relations since WWII (Studies in Conflict, Diplomacy, and Peace)

As the twentieth century came to an end, many of the challenges of the Cold War became even more complex as the Soviet Union collapsed and new threats arose. Featuring original essays by leading scholars, Foreign Policy at the Periphery examines relationships among new nations and the United States from the end of the Second World War through the global war on terror. Rather than reassessing familiar flashpoints of US foreign policy, the contributors explore neglected but significant developments such as the efforts of evangelical missionaries in the Congo, the 1958 stabilization agreement with Argentina, Henry Kissinger's policies toward Latin America during the 1970s, and the financing of terrorism in Libya via petrodollars. Blending new, internationalist approaches to diplomatic history with newly released archival materials, Foreign Policy at the Periphery brings together diverse strands of scholarship to address compelling issues in modern world history.

As American interests assumed global proportions after 1945, policy makers were faced with the challenge of prioritizing various regions and determining the extent to which the United States was prepared to defend and support them. Superpowers and developing nations soon became inextricably linked, and decolonizing states such as Vietnam, India, and Egypt assumed a central role in the ideological struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The book's contributors explore these complex relationships and developments, providing new insights and perspectives on the United States' foreign policy during this critical period. By examining lesser-known events and initiatives, the authors shed light on the nuances and complexities of America's global engagement, offering a more comprehensive understanding of its role in shaping the modern world.

The volume's interdisciplinary approach and use of newly available archival sources make it a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in the history of US foreign relations, the Cold War, and the emerging post-colonial world order. Through its unique focus on the "periphery" of US foreign policy, the book challenges traditional narratives and encourages readers to consider the broader context and consequences of American decision-making on the global stage.

Overall, Foreign Policy at the Periphery provides a fresh and insightful perspective on a critical period in world history, offering readers a more nuanced and complete understanding of the United States' role and influence during this transformative era.

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