French and US Approaches to Foreign Policy

Based on document analysis, and on the evaluations, perceptions and judgments of people involved in framing, making, and applying foreign policy in both countries as foreign affairs officials, law makers, or think tanks' associates, this book presents the differing worldviews and concepts for establishing an international order. It is argued that the differences between U.S. and French approaches to foreign policies and international affairs are historically entrenched in political cultures, and could transcend other elements such as economic interests, or the political inclinations of the individuals or parties who control their governments. Many of the findings could be applied to the differences and similarities between the U.S. and other European countries.

"French and U.S. Approaches to Foreign Policy skillfully weaves together structural and ideological factors that account for similarities and differences in national orientation to foreign policy. These are vividly shown in interview data with political elites in both countries." - Edward Tiryakian, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, Duke University, USA

"A very suggestive book, breaking with traditional approaches based on a comparison of French and American strategies. I appreciate very much the ability to overcome classical realist visions and to shed light on history, cultural gaps but also the role of actors." - Bertrand Badie, Professeur des Universités, Institut d' Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po), Teacher/Researcher at Centre d' Etudes et de Recherche Internationales

"This is an illuminating study of the differences in foreign policy outlook of the two 'universalist' sister republics, France and the United States. On the basis of extensive interviews with officials and their staffs, the book shows the deep differences that divide the two countries in their views of foreign affairs. A valuable contribution to the literature on both 'American exceptionalism' and comparative politics." - John Torpey, Professor of Sociology and History,City University of New York Graduate Center, USA

"This book is a welcome addition to the literature about the evolution of foreign policy and transatlantic affairs in recent decades, in this case U.S.-French relations. Professor Menéndez Alarcón (Butler University) avoids the stale debates of (neo)realists versus (neo)institutionalists and constructionist. Instead, grounded on interviews of foreign policy makers and document analysis, he proposes a new integrative paradigm that includes the role of political cultures and differences in the interpretation, meaning, and implementing of supposedly shared universals, world views, memories, ethical principles, and values that undergird political decision-making and public sentiment. His sweeping review illustrates the origins, reasons, and spread as well as shortfalls of exceptionalist ideologies and how they affect bilateral and global foreign affairs. This publication will most certain enrich and stimulate the international relations discourse. The reader-friendly size, crisp style, and authenticity make this volume a valuable resource not only for practitioners and experts in the field but also for students in the social sciences." - Hermann Kurthen, Associate Professor of Sociology, Grand Valley State University, USA

"Menendez's book, drawing on interviews with political elites in France and the US, clarifies in a unique way the important but often troubled relationship between these two countries. Differences in political culture and elite belief systems, more than strict national interest, explain much of the foreign policy conflicts between the two. Menendez's insights would prove valuable to citizens and leaders in both countries in coping with and transcending these issues." - Dave Mason, author of The End of the American Century and A Concise History of Modern Europe: Liberty, Equality, Solidarity.

Antonio V. Menéndez Alarcón is Professor of Sociology at Butler University. He received his PhD from the University of Notre Dame in 1991, and his BA and MA from the University of Paris, France. He has published several books, and many articles in peer review journals in English, Spanish, and French on ethnic relations, culture, mass media, political sociology, and international sociology.