"This work examines the roles played by Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice in the construction of U.S. foreign policy, exploring the ways in which their racial identity challenges conventional notions about the role of race in international relations." "Neither Powell nor Rice consciously allowed their racial identity to substantially influence or characterize their participation in the defense and projection of U.S. hegemony, Clarence argues, but both used their racial identity and experiences strategically in key circumstances to defend Bush administration policies.".

"Locating Powell and Rice within the genealogy of the current national security strategy, and within broader shifts under George W. Bush, Lusane argues that their racial location in the context of the construction of U.S. foreign policy is symbolic, and that it serves to distract from the substantive part they play in the ongoing reconfiguration of U.S. global power. Criticism of their policies, for example, is often blunted by race. Black liberals may be reluctant to condemn them; white liberals may be afraid criticism could be interpreted as racial bias. Lusane tackles these difficult issues along with others, asking whether there is a black consensus on foreign policy and, if so, what its dimensions, driving forces, and prospects for stability are."--BOOK JACKET.