Title: Bipartisanship and the Making of Foreign Policy: A Historical Survey
Author: Ellen C. Collier
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN: 978-1-4628-4438-8
Pages: 234
Genre: Politics
Reviewed by: Ella Vincent
Pacific Book Review
Bipartisanship and the Making of Foreign Policy is an informative text filled with historical facts which readers will find enlightening as they learn about bipartisanship in history. This timely book highlights the need for bipartisanship in such a politically divided time.
The book details the rare times Democrats and Republicans came together to vote similarly on major foreign policy issues. From the United Nations charter in the 1940’s to the South African anti-apartheid sanctions of the 1980’s, author Ellen C. Collier notes how presidents and Congress have collaborated to act on pressing world affairs. Collier’s detailed reports explaining the thorough legislative process in which the resolutions needed to go through to pass Congress. Although the resolutions passed were done so with great difficulty, Collier noted through her research the most consequential achievements in foreign policy were done through bipartisanship.
Bipartisanship and the Making of Foreign Policy is a well-researched text which will takes readers on a tour through the history of the last 50 years in Congress. This book explains how resolutions have passed through comprehensive analysis of the circumstances. It is an exhaustive look at the lengthy process of compromise in politics, which provides an eye-opening awareness of the mechanics of how our government works. Collier notes the complicated way in which bipartisanship was realized despite opposition and even infighting in political parties. Collier is a noted foreign policy author who brings her expertise to Bipartisanship.
This book has heavy academic material, but is presented in a easy to understand way through Collier’s writing. Her descriptions of the personal relationships between presidents and members of Congress are incisive and shed light on how bipartisanship was accomplished. Collier also has tables throughout the text describing how members of Congress voted for specific measures along party lines. The tables breakdown the complex subjects in foreign policy and are helpful in understanding how Congress passed resolutions related to international affairs.
This book would be great for readers who want to know more about the lost art of compromise in politics. The book would also be ideal for readers who want to learn more about U.S. and international history and how they intertwine. Collier’s text would be perfect for university courses about political science or international studies.
Bipartisanship and the Making of Foreign Policy is a must-read for political enthusiasts who want to use cooperation to help the United States and the world. Ellen C. Collier has written a text that readers will enjoy and learn from as well. This book shows that bipartisanship and political cooperation can greatly impact the world.
