ABSTRACT

George W. Bush left the White House as he entered it – amid controversy, latterly in addressing the global financial crisis, and formerly as the ‘minority’ victor in the most controversial presidential election since the Hayes-Tilden contest of 1876. In between his popularity plummeted as US intervention in Iraq faltered. It was not, of course, meant to turn out this way – particularly for a president who, compared to many of his predecessors, had only a moderate interest and understanding of foreign affairs when he came to office. And while it is difficult to recall events prior to 9/11, the Bush administration did initially pull off a remarkable coup.