Alliance curse : how America lost the Third World / Hilton L. Root.

"Proposes an analytical foundation for national security that challenges long-held assumptions or outdated suppositions about foreign affairs. Presents case studies of American foreign policy toward developing countries, efforts at state building, and nations growing in importance. Concludes with recommendations designed to close the gap between security and economic development"--Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 257-270) and index.

Economic logic of the alliance curse -- Democratic paradoxes : institutional constraints on U.S. democracy promotion -- The dangers of triumphalism -- Incompatible missions and unsuitable organizations -- Social bifurcation and ultimatum bargaining : the vision gap in U.S. reconstruction efforts -- The United States and China : the power of illusion -- The United States as master builder in the Philippines -- Illegitimate offspring : South Vietnam -- Mirage of stability : the United States and the Shah of Iran -- America's moral dilemma in South Asia -- Walking with the devil : the commitment trap in U.S. foreign policy -- Redeeming democracy through the market : do open markets produce open politics? -- Linking U.S. security to Third World development -- Reframing the purpose of U.S. globalism : strategies, institutions, and beliefs.