Robert Zoellick, former deputy of secretary of state and former president of the World Bank, has published a new book titled America in the World: A History of US Diplomacy and Foreign Policy. Zoellick also served as the US trade representative under President George W. Bush. Earlier in his career, Zoellick served as counselor to the Secretary of the Treasury and deputy chief of staff at the White House and assistant to President Bush.
Recounting the actors and events of US foreign policy, Zoellick identifies five traditions that have emerged from America’s encounters with the world: the importance of North America; the special roles trading, transnational, and technological relations play in defining ties with others; changing attitudes toward alliances and ways of ordering connections among states; the need for public support, especially through Congress; and the belief that American policy should serve a larger purpose. These traditions frame a closing review of post-Cold War presidencies, which Zoellick foresees serving as guideposts for the future.
As mentioned in the preview, America in the World “serves as an informative companion and practical adviser to readers seeking to understand the strategic and immediate challenges of US foreign policy during an era of transformation.”
Robert Zoellick is a Member of the Inter-American Dialogue.
