Beyond the Boundaries

This first book-length study of Jesse Jackson's international activities places his activism abroad in theoretical and historical perspective and shows how it belongs to a tradition of U.S. citizen diplomacy as old as the Republic.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.