Obama at War

Congress and the Imperial Presidency

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, International Relations, History, Military, United States, Government
Cover of the book Obama at War by Ryan C. Hendrickson, The University Press of Kentucky
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ryan C. Hendrickson ISBN: 9780813160955
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky Publication: June 3, 2015
Imprint: The University Press of Kentucky Language: English
Author: Ryan C. Hendrickson
ISBN: 9780813160955
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky
Publication: June 3, 2015
Imprint: The University Press of Kentucky
Language: English

During President Barack Obama's first term in office, the United States expanded its military presence in Afghanistan and increased drone missile strikes across Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia. The administration also deployed the military to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean, engaged in a sustained bombing operation in Libya, and deployed U.S. Special Forces in Central Africa to capture or kill Joseph Kony. In these cases, President Obama decided to use force without congressional approval. Yet, this increased executive power has not been achieved simply by the presidential assertion of such powers. It has also been supported by a group of senators and representatives who, for political reasons that stem from constant campaigning, seek to avoid responsibility for military action abroad.

In this revealing book, Ryan C. Hendrickson examines President Obama's use of force in his first term with four major case studies. He demonstrates that, much like his predecessors, Obama has protected the executive branch's right not only to command, but also to determine when and where American forces are deployed. He also considers the voting records of Democrat John Kerry and Republican John McCain in the Senate, detailing how both men have played leading roles in empowering the commander-in-chief while limiting Congress's influence on military decision-making. Obama at War establishes that the imperial presidency poses significant foreign policy risks, and concludes with possible solutions to restore a more meaningful balance of power. The first book on the constitutional and political relationship between President Obama and the U.S. Congress and the use of military force, this timely reassessment of war powers provides a lucid examination of executive privilege and legislative deference in the modern American republic.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

During President Barack Obama's first term in office, the United States expanded its military presence in Afghanistan and increased drone missile strikes across Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia. The administration also deployed the military to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean, engaged in a sustained bombing operation in Libya, and deployed U.S. Special Forces in Central Africa to capture or kill Joseph Kony. In these cases, President Obama decided to use force without congressional approval. Yet, this increased executive power has not been achieved simply by the presidential assertion of such powers. It has also been supported by a group of senators and representatives who, for political reasons that stem from constant campaigning, seek to avoid responsibility for military action abroad.

In this revealing book, Ryan C. Hendrickson examines President Obama's use of force in his first term with four major case studies. He demonstrates that, much like his predecessors, Obama has protected the executive branch's right not only to command, but also to determine when and where American forces are deployed. He also considers the voting records of Democrat John Kerry and Republican John McCain in the Senate, detailing how both men have played leading roles in empowering the commander-in-chief while limiting Congress's influence on military decision-making. Obama at War establishes that the imperial presidency poses significant foreign policy risks, and concludes with possible solutions to restore a more meaningful balance of power. The first book on the constitutional and political relationship between President Obama and the U.S. Congress and the use of military force, this timely reassessment of war powers provides a lucid examination of executive privilege and legislative deference in the modern American republic.

More books from The University Press of Kentucky

Cover of the book World Politics on Screen by Ryan C. Hendrickson
Cover of the book The Hills Remember by Ryan C. Hendrickson
Cover of the book The Flaming Sword by Ryan C. Hendrickson
Cover of the book Women and the White House by Ryan C. Hendrickson
Cover of the book Breaking the Magic Spell by Ryan C. Hendrickson
Cover of the book Mellencamp by Ryan C. Hendrickson
Cover of the book Hell in the Holy Land by Ryan C. Hendrickson
Cover of the book Reflections on Freedom of Speech and the First Amendment by Ryan C. Hendrickson
Cover of the book Resisting Rebellion by Ryan C. Hendrickson
Cover of the book Learning Native Wisdom by Ryan C. Hendrickson
Cover of the book The Dilemmas of American Conservatism by Ryan C. Hendrickson
Cover of the book More Kentucky Bourbon Cocktails by Ryan C. Hendrickson
Cover of the book Faces of Kentucky by Ryan C. Hendrickson
Cover of the book The Democratic Soul by Ryan C. Hendrickson
Cover of the book The Unknown Dead by Ryan C. Hendrickson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy