Former Jamaican Ambassador to the United States, Stephen Vasciannie and his wife Lisa have authored a book on Jamaica’s foreign policy titled, “Jamaica’s Foreign Policy: 1962 - 2022.”
In the years since Independence in 1962, Jamaica’s foreign policy has reflected the flux and reflux of international affairs. There has been continuity in the midst of change; and while the country has sought to deepen its traditional friendships and widen its network of allies, it has also experienced occasions of externally determined crisis and major disagreement both within the Caribbean and in the wider world.
Bearing in mind the profound changes which have taken place in international law and international relations since Independence, this book examines some of the main initiatives and responses which have characterized Jamaican foreign policy over the last sixty years.
The book also highlights the leading trends in Jamaica's outlook on international relations as an independent, small state country. It also considers the country approach to issues such as the death penalty, extradition, diaspora relations, relations with the International Criminal Court, Jamaica’s anti-apartheid stance and its responses to various American initiatives since the end of the Cold War.
Stephen Vasciannie is Professor of International Law in the Faculty of Law at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.
Lisa Vasciannie is Senior Lecturer in International Relations in the Department of Government at the University of the West indies, Mona, Jamaica.