US Coercive Diplomacy and the Global Order

*This book is in the Rapid Communications in Conflict and Security (RCCS) Series (General Editor: Thomas G. Mahnken; Founding Editor: Geoffrey R.H. Burn)

Why has the United States so often failed to translate its unmatched power into durable global influence? US Coercive Diplomacy and the Global Order: A Critical Analysis of Post-Cold War Strategies offers a timely and incisive assessment of US foreign policy from 1990 to 2020, a period that began with unchallenged primacy and ended in renewed great power competition. Focusing on coercive diplomacy-state actions short of war intended to compel or deter adversaries-this book traces how the US increasingly relied on pressure tactics such as sanctions, military threats, and diplomatic isolation, often with disappointing results. Through empirical analysis, detailed case studies, and interviews with practitioners, the book identifies recurring problems in strategic planning, coordination, and adaptation. It argues that overuse of coercive tools, combined with declining credibility and shifting geopolitical conditions, has weakened the effectiveness of US statecraft and eroded international norms. As rivals like China, Russia, and Iran refine their own coercive strategies, this study offers critical insights for policymakers, scholars, and citizens seeking a more disciplined and effective American role in global affairs. By evaluating past failures and outlining paths for improvement, it challenges prevailing assumptions and contributes to a more grounded and realistic vision of future US leadership. See http://cambriapress.com/USCoerciveDiplomacy for more information.