"This ambitious and clear-headed book advances the cause of
eclectic theorizing. A compelling theory of foreign policy change
is supported by highly readable plausibility probes. David Welch's
impeccable scholarship has succeeded where most of ours has failed
us--joining analytical parsimony with policy relevance."--Peter J.
Katzenstein, Walter S. Carpenter, Jr. Professor of International
Studies, Cornell University
"David Welch has written an outstanding account of foreign
policy change. His main claim is that leaders will change foreign
policy most when they perceive existing policy as likely to lead to
painful losses; they are not motivated to change policy simply
because they might be able to make minor gains. He develops three
main hypotheses to operationalise this claim, and 'test drives'
these against a set of structured, focused case studies. He finds
that his theory is substantially confirmed by the case studies, and
he sees this as vindication of general theory. This is a
fascinating book, with an excellent integration between theory and
practice; it will become required reading for anyone interested in
explaining foreign policy change or in international theory.
Illuminating and theoretically convincing, this is that rare
thing-a theoretically sophisticated book that says something new,
and does so by the use of detailed case studies."--Steve Smith,
Vice-Chancellor and Professor of International Relations,
University of Exeter
"In the tradition of Hans Morgenthau, David Welch has produced a
highly original theory that will also do yeoman's work as an
introductory text in foreign policy courses. His book is
psychologically informed, eminently plausible, appropriatelyhedged,
probed fairly in interesting cases, and extremely well written.
Painful Choices is delightful reading."--Richard Ned Lebow, James
O. Freedman Presidential Professor of Government, Dartmouth
College
"Exceptionally well written, and mercifully free of jargon, this
book is a major contribution to the field. By placing policy change
at the core of the theory of foreign policy he seeks to develop,
Welch deviates sharply from recent scholarship--and this is
precisely the strength of his book. Not only will political
scientists welcome the book but so too will historians, both
because of the excellent case studies and because Welch is adept at
using historical materials without distorting them to 'prove' some
abstract theory."--Ole R. Holsti, George V. Allen Professor of
Political Science, Duke University
"This very well written book addresses an area of international
relations and foreign policy research that has received little
attention in the field. The scholarship, both in the theoretical
and empirical sections, is excellent; the research behind its case
studies is first rate. Welch's writing is lively, and he
effectively articulates complex ideas in easily digestible ways. No
other work brings together institutional, psychological, and
loss/gains-frame analysis like this book."--Scott Silverstone,
Associate Professor of Political Science, United States Military
Academy, West Point
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
