logo

69 pages 2 hours read

Rise to Globalism: American Foreign Policy since 1938

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1971

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Stephen E. Ambrose, Douglas Brinkley

Rise to Globalism

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1971
Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Global • 20th Century

Publication Year

1971

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Rise to Globalism by Stephen E. Ambrose and Douglas Brinkley examines the trajectory of US foreign policy from its neutral stance in the 1930s to its emergence as a global superpower post-1945, covering key events like World War II, the Cold War, and the 2003 Iraq invasion. The book discusses major policies, presidential administrations, and the interplay between American institutions and public opinion, highlighting themes such as the Cold War policy of containment and the complexities of international relations. Topics include war, political coups, and military interventions.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

2,670 ratings

73%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Rise to Globalism by Stephen E. Ambrose and Douglas Brinkley offers a comprehensive overview of U.S. foreign policy from World War II to the present. Praise focuses on its detailed research and engaging writing style, while criticisms highlight occasional bias and uneven coverage of certain periods. Overall, it serves as a solid introductory text, despite some flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Rise to Globalism?

Readers who appreciate Rise to Globalism by Stephen E. Ambrose and Douglas Brinkley are enthusiasts of 20th-century U.S. foreign policy history. This book will captivate those who enjoyed The Tragedy of Great Power Politics by John Mearsheimer and The Cold War by John Lewis Gaddis, offering a detailed, chronological narrative of America's global rise.

4.2

2,670 ratings

73%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Stephen E. Ambrose

A renowned American historian known for his works on American history and World War II, Ambrose authored over 30 books and contributed to popularizing history through television and film consultations.

An established American historian and professor, Brinkley is known for his extensive writings on American history, many of which have become bestsellers, and his active role in media as a CNN presidential historian and contributing editor.

The 41st president of the United States, serving one term during the pivotal end of the Cold War, and known for his foreign policy leadership during the Gulf War.

The 43rd president of the United States, serving two terms, whose presidency was defined by the September 11 terrorist attacks and subsequent military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The 39th president of the United States, whose administration is marked by a focus on human rights, as well as key foreign policy challenges such as the Iran hostage crisis and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

The 42nd president of the United States, serving during a period of significant international change, known for economic focus and impeachment in the context of personal scandal.

The 34th president of the United States and a former Supreme Allied Commander during World War II, known for his cautious Cold War policies and establishment of NASA.

The 35th president of the United States, remembered for his handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis and support for the Civil Rights Movement during a brief presidency.

The 37th president of the United States, noted for his foreign policy initiatives with the USSR and China, and his resignation following the Watergate scandal.

The 40th president of the United States, a two-term leader known for significant Cold War policies with the Soviet Union and domestic issues like the Iran-Contra affair.

The 32nd president of the United States, who led the country through the Great Depression and much of World War II, implementing the New Deal and supporting the Allies through Lend-Lease.

The 33rd president of the United States, responsible for ending World War II with atomic bombings and navigating early Cold War tensions through the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan.

Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Global • 20th Century

Publication Year

1971

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.