War on the Ballot

Elizabeth N. Saunders, author of Leaders at War: How Presidents Shape Military Interventions:
War on the Ballot is a richly detailed account of how electoral constraints affect presidential decision-making in war. In this important study of domestic politics and war, Payne shows how the shadow of an upcoming election can shape presidents’ choices—often with results that do not serve the voters well.

William B. Quandt, author of Camp David: Peacemaking and Politics:
Andrew Payne has written an important book on the impact of the electoral cycle on American foreign policy. His well-conceived model for how domestic political considerations affect decision-making is grounded on finely crafted and well-researched case studies of the wars in Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq. An important contribution to a crucial dimension of American foreign-policy making.

Louise Fawcett, author of Iran and the Cold War:
With its razor-sharp conceptual framework and meticulously researched cases—backed up by a treasure trove of sources—this book opens a new window on the many and often surprising effects of the U.S. electoral cycle on presidential decision-making in times of war.

Steven Casey, author of The War Beat, Pacific: The American Media at War Against Japan:
Andrew Payne has written a truly excellent book. From the Korean and Vietnam Wars to the recent conflict in Iraq, his copiously researched and cogently argued case studies persuasively underline the importance of elections in shaping crucial presidential decisions. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the politics of America’s wars.