Why read Perception and Misperception in International Politics?

Book cover of Perception and Misperception in International Politics

Book description

Since its original publication in 1976, Perception and Misperception in International Politics has become a landmark book in its field, hailed by the New York Times as "the seminal statement of principles underlying political psychology." This new edition includes an extensive preface by the author reflecting on the book's lasting…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Perception and Misperception in International Politics as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Christopher J. Fettweis

Author

The current war in Ukraine cannot be understood without reference to the rampant misunderstandings and misperceptions that animate both sides.

This book is the bible of misperception, and for my money, the greatest book ever written about international politics. In it, Jervis explains how countries rarely understand one another; misperception is the rule in national security, not the exception. And those misperceptions all point in one direction: They make other actors appear more belligerent than they are.

Because of predictable psychological processes, we tend to think that they can’t be trusted....and as a result, cycles of hostility and misperception follow.…

From Christopher's list on unconventional stories on US national security.