Presidents and Foreign Policy

"Edward Drachman and Alan Shank have created superb case studies of controversial presidential decisions. The case study approach isn't new: what is exciting is the pedagogy they employ—the countdown approach. These cases are forward looking rather than retrospective: they describe each issue the president faced as it unfolded, and as it presented itself to the White House and the nation for decision.

"The countdown approach to controversial presidential decisions is a major contribution to our understanding of presidential decision-making in foreign policy, not only for undergraduate and graduate students, but also for the general reader who wishes a better understanding of how presidents decide, and how their decisions affect our national interest. Drachman and Shank have produced a truly propaedeutic work: a study that ought to precede the reading of other analytical and theoretical approaches to presidential decision-making in foreign policy." — Richard M. Pious, from the Foreword

"This book is well written, well organized, up-to-date, and provides a longitudinal view. Clearly intended for classroom use, it is interesting to read and covers a significant topic." — Barbara Kellerman, coauthor of The President as World Leader