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January 2016 Vol. 53 No. 5

This book is a terrific addition to the understanding of democracy promotion as a foreign policy goal.  Huber (Institute of International Affairs, Rome) provides an impressive theoretical contribution integrating realism and constructivism in her discussion of national interests, regional and international norms, and internal and external identity.  Case studies show how the US, EU, and Turkey exercised democracy promotion and what encouraged and limited this as a foreign policy objective.  Chapters on Turkey add a needed comparative lens to this literature.  Figures and tables elucidate the arguments and give data on economic and military assistance, public support, and movements within institutions and on human rights charters.  Huber argues that democratic role identity enables democracy promotion but can constrain the “hindering effect of threat perceptions” if the significant other in the region can mobilize it.  She explains that democracy promotion affects international politics but is shaped by domestic politics since the US, EU, and Turkey were often concerned with their “democratic self.”  This study offers paths toward future rigorous research.

--S. L. McMillan, Lander University

Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.