When Leaders Learn and When They Don't: Mikhail Gorbachev and Kim Il Sung at the End of the Cold War (S U N Y Series in Global Politics)

Develops a new and dynamic theory of foreign policy decision making and experiential learning.When Leaders Learn and When They Don't investigates two extraordinary leaders—Mikhail Gorbachev and Kim Il Sung—by employing sophisticated methodologies and advancing a new theory of foreign policy decision making. Both leaders redefined the theory and practice of international relations and left a heritage that we face today—a unipolar world in which security threats no longer emanate from the rivalry of two superpowers but rather from the existence of rogue states such as North Korea. Akan Malici demonstrates how Gorbachev moved the antagonistic superpower relationship toward a Kantian world of friends while Kim reified a Hobbesian world of enemies at the end of the Cold War. The book carries implications about declining and newly emerging threats as the configuration of the international system changes.Akan Malici is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Furman University. The argument Political leadership and the puzzle of foreign policy change and continuity Mikhail Gorbachev and Kim Il Sung The decision-making approach Beliefs and strategic interaction Outline of the book A theory of foreign policy decisions The theory of moves (TOM) Preferences need inferences Making beliefs and learning patterns visible The theory of inferences about preferences (TIP) The subjective games of Gorbachev's predecessors (1980-1985) The cases Gorbachev: uncommitted thinker and motivated learner The early Gorbachev era (1985-1986) The second year of the Gorbachev era (February 1986-January 1987) Gorbachev: committed teacher and reformer Gorbachev induces U.S. cooperation (1987-1988) Gorbachev transforms great power politics (1989-1991) Kim Il Sung: revolutionary cold warrior Deadlock in the Cold War (1980-1983) The deadlock continues (1984-1986) Kim Il Sung: touched by the winds of change? The catalytic period (1987-1990) The post-Cold War period (1991-1994) The implications Lessons from the past and applications to the future Main findings Theoretical significance The continued relevance of Gorbachev and Kim Il Sung

about The Author:
akan Malici Is Assistant Professor Of Political Science At Firman University