The Polythink Syndrome U.S. Foreign Policy Decisions on 9/11, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Isis

"Much attention has been paid to the consequences of groupthink; however, very little has been paid to this other end of the decision making spectrum: polythink. This book elaborates on the antecedent conditions, processes and consequences of polythink in decision making, and concludes with a discussion of the conditions that mitigate it and leverage it for effective decision making. In doing so, it adds an important element to the discourse on decision-making and policy making at all levels."-Peter T. Coleman, Director, Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution at Columbia University "This book offers impressive evidence in favor of polythink as a major factor impacting foreign policy decision-making. Case material from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, along with the Iranian nuclear dispute, is treated in an original and stimulating way. A major contribution to foreign policy analysis."-Patrick James, Dornsife Dean's Professor of International Relations, University of Southern California "Americans excel in most things, from technology to music. But they keep failing in foreign policy. It is desperately important to understand why. The Polythink Syndrome offers a novel explanation-and possible remedies. This book is a major contribution and it will be influential."-Edward N. Luttwak, Senior Associate, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington DC