SKU: 96208693016

Presidents at War: From Truman to Bush, the Gathering of Military Powers to Our Commanders in Chief

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Presidents at War: From Truman to Bush, the Gathering of Military Powers to Our Commanders in ChiefThe Korean War, the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, Cambodia, Lebanon, El Salvador, Grenada, Iran Contra, Nicaragua, Panama, the Gulf War, Somalia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, IraqWhat do these events and scores of others have in common? Each of these wars, incursions, invasions, and covert actions was undertaken by the United States without the benefit of a declaration of war. Where congressional sanction was sought, it usually took the form

The Korean War, the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, Cambodia, Lebanon, El Salvador, Grenada, Iran-Contra, Nicaragua, Panama, the Gulf War, Somalia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq

What do these events and scores of others have in common? Each of these wars, incursions, invasions, and covert actions was undertaken by the United States without the benefit of a declaration of war. Where congressional sanction was sought, it usually took the form of a resolution, frequently issued after the fact.

Presidents at War is the first book to examine all of America's post-World War II military actions through the lens of the president's authority as commander in chief. Author Gerald Astor analyzes the various presidents' rationales for undeclared warfare, from Truman's citing of an international agreement (the United Nations) to Eisenhower's domino theory, to Kennedy's defense of the Monroe Doctrine, to bald assertions of authority by a commander in chief because of fears of communist expansion, threats to oil in the Middle East, humanitarian concerns in the Balkans, or provocations by terrorists. Each commander in chief served as a precedent for those who followed. Astor contends this cumulative process was accelerated by the September 11, 2001, attacks that led to the war on terrorism, the invasion of Iraq to oust the cruel regime of Saddam Hussein for his alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction, and the potential trampling of civil liberties in the United States.

Has the president become free to take military action on the slightest whim? Is it now true that, as Richard Nixon said, ""If the president does it, then it is not illegal""? Is the Constitution obsolete? And does Congress have the tools with which to curb this seemingly unbridled power? Read Presidents at War and find out.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Wiley (TP)
Published: 08/01/2006
ISBN: 9780471696551
Pages: 320
Weight: 1.40lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.40w x 1.10d

Review Citations: Library Journal 08/15/2006 pg. 101
Library Journal 08/01/2006 pg. 101

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SKU: 96208693016

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Eyal A.
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Spacious, organized, and perfect for travel!
Size: Large, Color: Black
This travel laptop backpack is absolutely fantastic! It's spacious and well-organized with multiple compartments for everything you need. It's airplane carry-on approved and fits perfectly in the overhead bin. The laptop compartment holds up to a 17" laptop securely with great padding. The water-resistant material keeps everything protected and the straps are comfortable for long trips. Great quality for the price. Highly recommend!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2026
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Kaitlin Todd
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 4
Good bag for a good price
Size: Large, Color: Amourpink
Really loved this backpack. I got it after reading all the reviews and wanting something for travel. The inside pockets with extra compartments that are water proof or organizing was a really nice touch. I traveled on airlines with this a few times and then started using it for school as well. It help up really well. I tend to be kind of rough on things and unfortunately the zipper broke. I'm unsure of if I over stuffed it or it was just a cheaper zipper. I would have considered resorting it because I used and loved it so much but my mom's dog got to it and it was not salvageable after that. I would recommend this specifically as a great travel backpack for the air port but it can easily double as an over night bag or school back pack.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026
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BL60
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
So big, but lightweight!
Size: Large, Color: Amourpink
I bought this backpack to have as my "personal item" on the many flights I have to take. It is the perfect weight, having a place for just about anything you'd want to have during a flight, as well as having your carry-on items. The charging port is a bit of a challenge to plug in because of how you have to position the cord, but it is doable. I did not end up using the charging feature on my most recent flight, but I can see how it would be helpful for the travel that does not provide many charging stations. I have some serious back issues, but even full, I found this backpack to be a reasonable weight. I cannot attest to it's durability at this time, as I've only taken it on two trips now, but it is a great bag. There are many compartments, which can be good and bad. I recently put my wallet with all my identification and cards in a compartment that was easily missed. I thought I had lost my wallet and was panicked about how I'd get on my return flight if I didn't find it. After completely emptying the bag in my friend's car, and running my hands all over the compartments, I found the wallet. Here's the thing, my wallet is not little, so you can see that the walls of this backpack are pretty thick. The pink color is more of a dusty pink, which I find to be more attractive than a bright pink for something like this.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2026
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N.B.
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Durable and easy to carry
Size: Large, Color: Amourpink, Size: Large, Color: Amourpink
I absolutely love this backpack! I got it for our two weeks long Northern Europe trip. It is very lightweight, spacious, and surprisingly comfortable even when fully packed. The compartments are well designed and make it easy to organize everything for travel. I especially liked how convenient it was for airport trips and fitting over the carryon’s handle and under the airplane seat. The material feels durable and the overall quality exceeded my expectations for the price. Stylish, practical, and perfect for short trips or everyday use. Highly recommend!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2026
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Monica
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Very good product
Model: iPad Mini 6/A17 Pro 7th Gen
Nicely attaches to the iPan. Easy and no bubbles. had one and worked it completely out. Had all the need items for the installations. Screen touch works, cover went on without a hitch.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2026

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