A Re-View Of World Politics

Why leaders lie is the first systematic analysis of lying as a government tool, identifying its motives, varieties and possible costs and benefits. Supported by extensive research and using a pragmatic and realistic approach, political scientist John Mearsheimer convincingly demonstrates that, contrary to common sense, politicians lie little when confronted with international issues, and that for one simple reason: lying. to another statesman on crucial matters is very risky, and almost always brings unexpected negative results.

The author also explains the differences between lying to the population of his own country and to other nations, and in which cases the use of lies can be strategically useful, for example, to avoid a war.