title: Foreign Policy Analysis: Classic and Contemporary Theory
author:  Valerie M. Hudson 
description: This readable and insightful treatise on foreign policy theory draws together strands from several schools of foreign policy research united by a common focus on the decision-making processes within states. Students will find this book highly useful in analyzing the complex configurations of agents that shape the political universe of the 21st century. (Walker, Stephen G.)<br /><br />Valerie Hudson forcefully demonstrates the necessity of engaging in foreign policy analysis grounded in humandecision making as the foundation for theory-building in international politics. To build her case she mines critical insights from over a half century of scholarship. New students and seasoned professionals will find her bold integrative perspective both provocative and instructive. (Charles F. Hermann)<br /><br />A powerful analysis of literature, assumptions, and concepts that will be useful to students at undergraduate and graduate levels in history, political science, and international relations. (Marie Hooper)<br /><br />This is a compelling and rewarding book that makes one wonder why it was not written years ago. Using an explicit conceptualization, rich detail, and a wide range of historical illustrations to depict an analytic focus that has preoccupied observers for a long time, Hudson has done a masterful job of synthesizing diverse materials that will be of great value in both the classroom and policymaking circles. (Rosenau, James N.)
zlib_text: Building on the success of the first edition, this revised volume re-invigorates 
  the conversation between foreign policy analysis and international relations. 
  It opens up the discussion, situating existing debates in foreign policy in 
  relation to contemporary concerns in international relations, and provides a 
  concise and accessible account of key areas in foreign policy analysis.
  Focusing on how foreign policy decision making affects the conduct of 
  states in the international system, the volume analyses the relationship 
  between policy, agency and actors, in a rapidly changing environment.
  Features of the second edition include:
  • 
  a wider range of contemporary case studies and examples from around 
  the globe;
  • 
  analysis of new directions in foreign policy analysis including foreign 
  policy implementation and the changing media landscape;
  • 
  fully updated material across all chapters to reflect the evolving research 
  agenda in the area.
  This second edition builds on and expands 