ABSTRACT
The central feature of the structured-focused comparison method is the set of questions that is used to systematically structure the case study inquiry. To assess the validity of the advisory system framework, the method of structured-focused comparisons is used to construct some cases of United States foreign policy decision-making. The essential purpose of this method is to allow the researcher to draw causal inferences from the explanatory variables found within each case and gain control over the subject matter. The advisory system and the variation among advisory systems are of great interest if one is to have a comprehensive understanding of the formulation of foreign policy in general and in United States foreign policy in particular. The nature of the Clinton administration’s advisory structure must be determined in light of the fact that few studies have been done with the direct purpose of understanding the structure of his advisory system.
