Beyond the Boundaries: Reverend Jesse Jackson in International Affairs FROM OUR EDITORS
In his best moments, Jesse Jackson has been the embodiment of black people's moral claim on America. Stanford's book analyzes a previously overlooked aspect of Jackson's work: his impact upon U.S. foreign policy. Situating Jackson in the tradition of citizen diplomacy, Stanford argues that his mobilization abroad, like his domestic agenda, is overwhelmingly humanitarian and moral in tone. In assessing Jackson as an international operator, Stanford sees mixed results but points out that Jackson and "mainstream" politicians had entirely different conceptions of the goals of foreign policy.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Beyond the Boundaries is the first book-length study of Jesse Jackson's international activities and foreign-policy agenda. It locates Jackson's efforts within the context of citizen diplomacy generally and African American involvement in international affairs particularly. Jackson's expeditions to Syria, Central America, and Cuba, during his 1984 presidential election bid, and his 1986 trip to Southern Africa are discussed in detail. Drawing on interviews, 1984 Jackson campaign documents, and press accounts, Karin L. Stanford shows that Jackson's international forays are not unique or unprecedented but belong to a tradition of citizen diplomacy as old as the Republic.