Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores how the successes and failures in presidential transitions had long-term effects on United States foreign policy, grand strategy, and international position. It examines the transition from Franklin Roosevelt to Harry Truman. The book deals with another abrupt transition, this one especially tragic as it occurred when an assassin cut John F. Kennedy's young life short. It looks at the rise of Ronald Reagan and the somewhat unusual defeat of an incumbent. The book presents a brief overview of the transitions of post-Cold War transitions, beginning with the transfer of power from Bill Clinton to George W. Bush following The Long Election of 2000. It analyzes two key transitions of the 21st century, George W. Bush to Barack Obama and Barack Obama to Donald Trump.