New Directions in US Foreign Policy is a state of the art overview of US foreign policy, providing a comprehensive account of the latest theoretical perspectives, the key actors and issues, and new policy directions. Offering a detailed and systematic outline of the field, this text explains how international relations theories such as realism, liberalism and constructivism can help us to interpret US foreign policy; examines the key influential actors shaping foreign policy, from political parties and think tanks to religious groups and public opinion; explores the most important new policy directions from the 'war on terror' and relations with the UN to democracy promotion and 'imperialism;' supplies succinct presentation of relevant case material, and provides recommendations for further reading and web sources for pursuing future research. Written by a distinguished line-up of contributors actively engaged in original research on the topics covered, this text provides a unique platform for rigorous debate over the contentious issues that surround US foreign policy. This wide-ranging text is essential reading for all students and scholars of US foreign policy.