Delve into the complexities of foreign policy decision-making and challenge the myth of purely rational leadership. This illuminating study questions fundamental assumptions in international relations, exploring how ‘realist’ strategists and ‘romantic’ idealists navigate global politics. Through innovative research combining historical case studies of figures like Bismarck and Churchill with psychological insights, Brian C. Rathbun reveals the diverse cognitive styles shaping statecraft. An indispensable resource for Indian students and scholars of Political Science and International Relations seeking a nuanced understanding of leadership in a complex world.