The Doctrines of American Foreign Policy

A comprehensive survey of the meaning, role and future of doctrines from Monroe to Reagan. Crabb, who has read widely in the literature, observes that often the doctrines of American foreign policy have been "imprecise, ambiguous, and mystifying" and yet, as the equivalent of military strategic plans, they are better to have than not. The United States should not try to eliminate doctrines, but see that they are soundly based. Easier advised than done.