The realists' concern for power in the global perspective is evident and persuasive throughout as Plischke chooses to focus on concepts such as national interests; vital interests; and national purposes, goals, and policy perspectives. The author also looks at national planning and strategy and at the general concept of decision making in foreign policy. A must for graduate students in international relations and therefore for the libraries that support them. Choice

This volume provides a broad survey of ideas, literature, and national practice concerning the principal constituents of foreign relations. Much has been written concerning the elements of foreign policy but little has been done to define their meanings and to meld them into an integrated volume. This study is based on a broad survey of English-language commentary on foreign affairs, and on the development of American concepts, interpretations, and commentary. The treatment is historic, explanatory, and systematic. The object is to progress from perceptions and ideas to usable terminology and concrete meanings. The overall goal is to distill from these commonly used concepts their essential and universal meanings.