Times of Heroism, Times of Terror: American Presidents and the Cold War

(Hardback)

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Understanding foreign policy has become more essential than ever in today's integrated world. How the United States acts as a nation has far-reaching consequences, especially in times of war. To better understand the U.S.A.'s stance on foreign policy today, it is helpful to analyse how U.S. presidents and leaders have acted in the past, particularly during the 20th century. Thornton argues that far from relying on an ideologically-based foreign policy, presidents often reacted spontaneously to unique foreign policy crises and at times may, through good diplomacy, have prevented serious crises from developing. Basing his insights on numerous first-hand sources such as handwritten notes and memos taken during meetings of heads of state, he portrays the presidents as very human individuals struggling with difficult questions and responsibilities that only men of their position have to deal with.

Reviews

Thornton has written a brief overview of the role of US presidents during the Cold War. He devotes one chapter to each leader from FDR to George H. W. Bush, briefly discussing their own military experiences (or lack thereof) and focusing on their decision-making styles. Although the presidents differed in the ways they made decisions, all from Truman forward operated under the broad Cold War consensus that posited a need to prevent the spread of communism. Especially interesting is the chapter on Gerald Ford, to whom Thornton gives high marks for not trying to reintervene in the Vietnam War and for establishing an aura of integrity and stability in the post-Watergate years.Recommended. * Choice *
[S]omewhat unsettling but ringing with truth: university presidents' careers rise and fall in cycles, but those tough enough to take it seem to enjoy the ride. * Reference & Research Book News *

Author Bio

Thornton Martin is a senior lecturer in the School of History at the University of Leeds. He has also been Director of the Centre for Canadian Studies at the University and a visiting professor at Vanderbilt University.