'The authors combine adroitly history and theory to propose a framework in which to put into perspective the uncertain world that unexpectedly emerged as the Cold War ended. Their motto could be: who doesn't understand the past cannot imagine the future.' Dick Howard, Stony Brook University, USA 'The authors talk in a novel way about nationalism and power politics in the contemporary world. Readers will benefit from a greater understanding of how material forces and ideas evoke the rehabilitation of imperial strategy.' Jan Zielonka, St Antony's College, University of Oxford, UK 'This important and innovative analysis of US and Russian foreign policy, particularly as it impacts the Middle East, will be of great use to both academics and policy makers.' Stephen Zunes, University of San Francisco, USA 'When Empire Meets Nationalism renews a debate in IR theory on the role of ideas in foreign policy: contrary to the neo-realist school, the constructivists tend to analyse the national interests not as givenbut as social constructions shaped by the actors' ideas, beliefs and values. The book demonstratescleverly that ideas are not opposed to rationality but intertwined with it. Based on a rich bibliography,it offers a good key to understanding today's world politics.' International Affairs 'An innovative comparison of two intellectual movements that have had considerable influence on the foreign policies of the United States and Russia in the first decade of the new century.' The Russian Review