Choice Review

In this updated and revised edition (1st ed., CH, Jan'00, 37-3018) Amstutz (Wheaton College) emphasizes the relevance of moral principles to international politics. Twenty-five updated and/or new cases are employed in this study to demonstrate that morality is essential to foreign policy. These cases are among the central and topical world problems subjected to scrupulous evaluation: human rights, war, economic sanctions, international economic relations, the ethics of foreign intervention, and promotion of global justice. Amstutz takes to task the realist tenet that international politics is the inherent pursuit of power and economic interest. He claims that both states and non-state participants adhere to a common moral foundation that influences major decision making. Amstutz is quite successful in presenting his viewpoint discussing NATO intervention in Kosovo, Carter's human rights policy, South Africa reconciliation, and US intervention in Libya. The book is well-written and accessible to professionals and those who have an avid interest in global politics. It makes a significant contribution to the development and study of theory of international relations. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels. Y. Polsky West Chester University of Pennsylvania