This significantly revised, updated and extended second edition of New Directions in US Foreign Policy retains the strongest aspects of its original structure but adds a comprehensive account of the latest theoretical perspectives, the key actors and issues, and new policy directions. Offering a detailed and systematic outline of the field, this text:

• Explains how international relations theories such as realism, liberalism and constructivism can help us to interpret US foreign policy under President Obama
• Examines the key influential actors shaping foreign policy, from political parties and think tanks to religious groups and public opinion
• Explores the most important new policy directions under the Obama administration from the Arab Spring and the rise of China to African policy and multilateralism
• Supplies succinct presentation of relevant case material, and provides recommendations for further reading and web sources for pursuing future research.

Written by a distinguished line-up of contributors actively engaged in original research on the topics covered, and featuring twelve brand new chapters, this text provides a unique platform for rigorous debate over the contentious issues that surround US foreign policy. This wide-ranging text is essential reading for all students and scholars of US foreign policy.