A Citizen's Guide to American Foreign Policy Tragic Choices and the Limits of Rationality

"Why do smart people make poor decisions? In this fascinating and well written Citizen's Guide, David Houghton explains why things often turn out so poorly for American presidents and their foreign policy advisers. Everyone interested in understanding how our government works (or doesn't) should read this book." -James Goldgeier, American University "Aside from students in their classrooms, political scientists must engage the public at large so as to do their part in enabling a critical citizenry. Houghton demonstrates tremendous talent in engaging, educating and entertaining his audience about American foreign policy. He is provocative, but constructive, and his book is an important public service." -Akan Malici, Furman University "Engaging in style, creative in approach, insightful in its analysis, and written to be accessible to any student or citizen interested in American foreign policy." -Bruce W. Jentleson, Duke University