War and American Foreign Policy

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Focusing on the justification of military conflicts, this book examines how American presidents from the War of 1812 to the Second Gulf War have used the Necessity Standard to publicly and privately justify their decisions. It reveals that this standard dictates the use of military force only when no alternatives exist to protect vital interests. The analysis highlights varying presidential approaches to defining these interests and duties, ultimately influencing policymaking, conflict management, and public perceptions of foreign policy.