Actions for Obama at war : Congress and the imperial presidency

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Obama at war : Congress and the imperial presidency / Ryan C. Hendrickson

Author
Hendrickson, Ryan C., 1969-
Published
Lexington, Kentucky : The University Press of Kentucky, 2015.
Physical Description
171 pages ; 24 cm.

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Contents
Introduction: Red Lines for War -- The War Powers Framework for the Obama Presidency -- Afghanistan, Drone Warfare, and the Kill List -- Fighting Pirates on the Indian Ocean -- Obama's Military Strikes on Libya -- The Hunt for Joseph Kony -- Senators Kerry and McCain : Empowering the Commanders in Chief -- Syria and Beyond.
Summary
"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 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, seek to avoid responsibility for military action abroad. 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 reassessment of war powers provides a lucid examination of executive privilege and legislative deference in the modern American republic"--Provided by publisher.
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ISBN
9780813160948 (hardcover : acid-free paper)
0813160944 (hardcover : acid-free paper)
Bibliography Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
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