ABSTRACT

This chapter explores the various meanings of bipartisan foreign policy. It traces the history of bipartisan foreign policy from its post-World War ll peak through its decline since the Korean War and recent new efforts to establish a bipartisan foreign policy in certain areas. The chapter presents differing perspectives on the strength and weaknesses of a bipartisan foreign policy. It examines the issues at the heart of varying perspectives, such as the appropriate roles of the President and Congress in foreign policy, charges of congressional “micromanagement,” and whether foreign policy can be bipartisan in intensely partisan surroundings. The chapter discusses methods for developing a bipartisan foreign policy when it is deemed useful, as well as necessary attitudes. Abroad, many of the circumstances on which the original post-World War II bipartisan foreign policy was based have been altered. At home, legislative-executive conflicts have frequently been seen as impeding effective foreign policymaking.