Description
Book SynopsisHow do upcoming elections influence presidents’ behavior during wartime?
War on the Ballot examines how electoral politics shaped presidential decisions on military and diplomatic strategy during the wars in Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq.
Trade ReviewAndrew Payne has written a truly excellent book. From the Korean and Vietnam Wars to the recent conflict in Iraq, his copiously researched and cogently argued case studies persuasively underline the importance of elections in shaping crucial presidential decisions. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the politics of America’s wars. -- Steven Casey, author of
The War Beat, Pacific: The American Media at War Against JapanWith its razor-sharp conceptual framework and meticulously researched cases—backed up by a treasure trove of sources—this book opens a new window on the many and often surprising effects of the U.S. electoral cycle on presidential decision-making in times of war. -- Louise Fawcett, author of
Iran and the Cold WarAndrew Payne has written an important book on the impact of the electoral cycle on American foreign policy. His well-conceived model for how domestic political considerations affect decision-making is grounded on finely crafted and well-researched case studies of the wars in Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq. An important contribution to a crucial dimension of American foreign-policy making. -- William B. Quandt, author of
Camp David: Peacemaking and PoliticsWar on the Ballot is a richly detailed account of how electoral constraints affect presidential decision-making in war. In this important study of domestic politics and war, Payne shows how the shadow of an upcoming election can shape presidents’ choices—often with results that do not serve the voters well. -- Elizabeth N. Saunders, author of
Leaders at War: How Presidents Shape Military InterventionsPayne effectively demonstrates that domestic electoral politics does indeed affect presidential decisions, often decisively. He presents the argument in such a systematic and persuasive way that it will be very difficult to read his book and still see the recent American wars in the same light. -- Thomas A. Schwartz, author of
Henry Kissinger and American Power: A Political BiographyAndrew Payne’s
War on the Ballot is replete with compelling evidence that attests to the influence of the electoral cycle on the military strategy of United States presidents. -- Jonny Hall, London School of Economics and Political Science * International Affairs *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Introduction
1. Presidents, Politics, and War
2. Korea: Truman, Eisenhower, and America’s First Limited War
3. Vietnam: Lyndon Johnson and the “Americanization” of the War
4. Vietnam: Richard Nixon and the “Vietnamization” of the War
5. Iraq: George W. Bush and the Decision to Double Down
6. Iraq: Barack Obama and the Endgame
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index
