Lawrence S. Kaplan Livres

The book explores the pivotal year of 1948, focusing on the United States' shift from isolationism to forming a significant alliance with ten European nations. It details the contentious negotiations leading to the North Atlantic Treaty signed in 1949, highlighting the diverse perspectives of diplomats and politicians involved. Kaplan, an expert on NATO, utilizes primary sources to provide an engaging narrative that reveals how the U.S. embraced international commitments after a century and a half of avoidance, resulting in a lasting partnership with Europe.

The book explores the complex and often contentious relationship between NATO and the UN over two generations, highlighting their interconnected history. It emphasizes the significance of both organizations in addressing contemporary global challenges and underscores their potential for collaboration in the twenty-first century. Through a detailed examination, the author sheds light on how these entities influence international relations and security dynamics.

Kaplan (history and European Union studies, Kent State U.) concentrates on the differences within the North American Treaty Organization, particularly between the US and Europe. Internal conflicts, he says, have arguable been more frequent and often more bitter if not more dangerous to the alliance

Focusing on Thomas Jefferson's influential role in shaping American foreign policy, this biography examines how westward expansion influenced his diplomatic decisions. It highlights Jefferson's pervasive voice in early U.S. diplomacy and offers a comprehensive exploration of his views on foreign relations, an area often overlooked in other writings about him. Readable and authoritative, this work provides fresh insights into the complexities of Jefferson's political legacy and his impact on the nation's international stance.