A Creative Tension: The Foreign Policy Roles of the President and Congress

by Lee H. Hamilton, Jordan Tama

A Creative Tension is a fresh look at the foreign policy roles of Congress and the president by one of the most astute congressional practitioners of foreign policy of recent decades, former U.S. representative and chairman of the House International Relations Committee Lee H. Hamilton. With an insider's perspective based on thirty-four years in Congress, Hamilton elucidates current domestic and international pressures influencing U.S. foreign policy, strengths and weaknesses in the foreign policy process, and ways to improve the performance of the president and Congress. A Creative Tension argues persuasively and elegantly that better consultation between the executive and legislative branches is the most effective way to strengthen American foreign policy. A Creative Tension is the most extensive analysis of the congressional and presidential roles in foreign policy by a former member of Congress. Hamilton explores the topic in an original, stimulating, and accessible manner by deftly mixing incisive commentary with illuminating personal reflections. The book includes timely and important recommendations for improving the ability of Congress and the president to develop a foreign policy that meets the challenges and opportunities of a post-September 11 world. It should be of interest to foreign policy makers, scholars and students of American politics, and the general public.Wilson Forum

108 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2002

About the author

Lee Herbert Hamilton (born April 20, 1931) is a former member of the United States House of Representatives and currently a member of the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory Council. A member of the Democratic Party, Hamilton represented the 9th congressional district of Indiana from 1965 to 1999. Following his departure from Congress he has served on a number of governmental advisory boards, most notably as the vice chairman of the 9/11 Commission.

Reviews

[Dallas Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would only recommend this book to those who have a strong interest in the US Government and/or US Foreign Policy.

This book is helpful for anyone interested in understanding how Congress and the President should work together to create foreign policy. It provides a history of the changes in the respective roles of the Legislative and Executive branches, and provides some examples of effective and ineffective collaboration.

The book is very short and to the point. Definitely not a book to be read for entertainment, as it is more like an essay written in an argumentative style.

[The Bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent look at the interplay between the executive and legislative branches in US government.

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoo hoo hoo, Hoosiers