A Creative Tension is a fresh look at the foreign policy roles of Congress and the president by one of the most astute congressional practitioners of foreign policy of recent decades, former U.S. representative and chairman of the House International Relations Committee Lee H. Hamilton. With an insider's perspective based on thirty-four years in Congress, Hamilton elucidates current domestic and international pressures influencing U.S. foreign policy, strengths and weaknesses in the foreign policy process, and ways to improve the performance of the president and Congress. A Creative Tension argues persuasively and elegantly that better consultation between the executive and legislative branches is the most effective way to strengthen American foreign policy.
A Creative Tension is the most extensive analysis of the congressional and presidential roles in foreign policy by a former member of Congress. Hamilton explores the topic in an original, stimulating, and accessible manner by deftly mixing incisive commentary with illuminating personal reflections. The book includes timely and important recommendations for improving the ability of Congress and the president to develop a foreign policy that meets the challenges and opportunities of a post-September 11 world. It should be of interest to foreign policy makers, scholars and students of American politics, and the general public.Wilson Forum
Good but too partisan leaning Democratic I got this book for my Master's degree program. It is very good but I am struggling right in the middle of the book forward. Much of his criticism of Congress and the examples he sites are of the partisan Republican tactics of the 90s against Clinton. While this is true, we see the VERY SAME TACTICS from the Democratic controlled Congress of today. Therefore, while the author explains the political games members of Congress play, let's be real. These games are played by both parties equally. NO ONE has the moral high ground here.
Great Primer by A Citizen Leader "Despite its increased activism in recent decades, Congress rarely leads and often falls short in educating the American people about foreign policy...occasionally, members give foreign policy speeches--some are very good--but they rarely feel any real burden to explain our foreign policy challenges to the American people. The members who do so are a distinct minority."
Hamilton took his place in that minority during his 1965-99 career in the U.S. Congress, and he continues the role of political educator with this small but insightful book about the relationship between Congress and the president.
In it, he details the changes and continuities he observed in Congress during his long tenure, and argues convincingly that U.S. foreign policy will be most effective when it rests on strong presidential leadership, responsible congressional criticism and partnership, and sustained dialogue and consultation.
Hamilton's recommendations carry added weight because of his own personal integrity, and his work towards encouraging Americans to become more involved and informed citizens. Currently the director of Washington's Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars, he also runs a "Center for Congress" at Indiana University, and served as vice chairman of the 9-11 Commission. Hamilton is critical when need be, but not cynical, providing a model for active citizenship.
As I prepare to join our Foreign Service, this book has helped me better understand the mechanics of the U.S. Congress. Its readable style makes it a great primer on foreign policy for anyone who wants to know more about the relationship between the Legislative and Executive branches.
Hamilton takes his place alongside Indiana Senators Lugar and Bayh as a distinguished national leader who has earned the respect of both parties in the service of the United States. He makes me proud to be a Hoosier.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
