Based on the latest scholarship and newly discovered foreign documents, offers a thorough account of American diplomatic history in the 20th century, including coverage of important subjects usually omitted from other texts, such as economic issues and internal development in Russia, the Soviet Union, and China. Organized chronologically, the book avoids taking an interpretive stand on the merits of particular policies, instead offering a political realist interpretation of events. The focus throughout is on the personalities and economic, cultural, and military factors which influence the politics of U.S. foreign policy. Within the chronological framework, each chapter presents key foreign relations problems addressed by a particular presidential administration, examining them in historical perspective and context, and concludes with a short assessment of the accomplishments, events and problems of that administration. The chapters are cross-referenced topically so students can easily follow a particular subject, such as the Vietnam War, through several administrations. The text also includes a helpful list of recommended readings. Comprehensive and clearly-written, is an ideal companion to history and political science courses alike on contemporary American foreign policy.