ABSTRACT
The pitfalls of a bipartisan foreign policy in the past need to be recognized. A bipartisan foreign policy in the immediate post-World War II period was possible only because of shared assumptions based on unique conditions, and it is unrealistic to expect that these conditions will be duplicated. Many calls are being made for a new attempt at a bipartisan foreign policy. Such calls are often made when the legislative and executive branches are presided over by different parties, for some degree of bipartisan cooperation is essential for an effective foreign policy in a period of divided government. A divided government makes the support of both branches and both parties essential for effective foreign policy. A mutually perceived threat encouraged foreign policy unity within the United States and an abundance of resources facilitated US leadership. Debate on the significance of new international realities for the national interest of the United States might clarify both the assumptions and the realities.
