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This groundbreaking book explores how adversaries in world politics can surmount their differences and disputes and start on the path to peaceful, mutually productive relations. Writing with authority and clarity, Mel Gurtov defines the strategy of deep engagement, examines how it progressed under President Obama with Cuba and Iran, and probes its potential for US-Russian and US-North Korean relations and other critical hotspots. At the core of the book are case studies that highlight the strategy and practice of engagement in both successful and failed efforts. Showing that domestic political obstacles turn out to be more formidable than strategic interests when national leaders seek to engage adversaries, Gurtov draws lessons for diplomacy in ways to engage, such as practicing mutual respect, paying attention to symbols, and using incentives rather than sanctions. At a time when use of force remains the main way governments pursue their interests, Engaging Enemies is a timely appeal to diplomacy and a reminder that a multitude of ways exist for adversaries to find common ground.
List of contents
Preface
Chapter 1: The Global Citizen and Engagement
Chapter 2: Engaging Adversaries
Chapter 3: Successful Engagement: US Relations with Iran and Cuba
Chapter 4: Halfway There: US-China Engagement
Chapter 5: Disengagement: Failures in US-Russia and US-North Korea Relations
Chapter 6: Trapped by History: China-Japan, Israel-Palestine
Chapter 7: Engagement: Lessons for Policy Makers and Peacemakers
Selected Bibliography
Index
About the Author
About the author
Mel Gurtov is professor emeritus of political science at Portland State University and senior editor of Asian Perspective. A former senior Fulbright scholar, RAND Corporation analyst, and author of the Pentagon Papers, he now lives in Deadwood, Oregon, where he blogs on international politics at In the Human Interest.
Summary
This groundbreaking book explores how adversaries in world politics can surmount their differences and disputes and start on the path to peaceful, productive relations. Gurtov draws lessons for diplomatic ways to engage, such as practicing mutual respect, paying attention to symbols, and using incentives rather than sanctions to find common ground.
