National Choices and International Processes

National Choices and International Processes brings together the various conflicting approaches to the study of foreign policy decision-making under a single theoretical framework. Initially examining decision processes within states, Zeev Maoz continues by exploring the relationship between the creation of national choices and their outcomes, the interactions between states and the manner in which international processes evolve over time. This he calls the ‘bottom up’ approach which is contrasted in his last chapter with the ‘top down’ approach of systems analysis. Although the focus of this study is on theoretical construction, Maoz provides a thorough analysis of the literature on foreign policy decision-making and international bargaining. His arguments are supported both by separate chapters of mathematical analysis and by numerous historical examples, often from the Middle East - an area where the author has particular expertise. National Choices and International Processes is the culmination of many years work. It will be of interest to students and specialists in foreign policy and international relations theory.

Contents

List of figures; List of tables; Preface; 1. Toward a theory of international processes; 2. Foreign policy decision making: assumptions and characterization of the approach; 3. The inputs of decision making: identification and conceptualization; 4. The essential mathematics of inputs; 5. Models of the decision process; 6. A formal characterization of decision processes; 7. A theory of foreign policy decision making; 8. The analysis of international outcomes; 9. The evolution of international processes; 10. Individual preferences, national choices, and international systems; References; Name index; Subject index.