| Event Start Date: 20 April, 2024 | Event End Date: 20 April, 2024 | Event Venue: |
McMenemy Seminar: Steven Schrage – How U.S. Presidential Campaigns Can Crash Global Politics: From Bush to Trump and Beyond
Wed 6th Feb, 18:30 Bridgetower Room
Bridgetower RoomAbstract:
Since the end of the Cold War, America has generated a dangerous paradox in global affairs. Every president from Bill Clinton to Donald Trump has entered office with almost no foreign policy experience. Yet these men were instantly granted vast powers which impacted global events.
This presentation addresses how decisions made during a presidential campaign can influence the subsequent administration’s foreign policy and thus affect international relations. Specifically, it develops a new framework for analyzing these issue that draws on new and repurposed political and social science research tools.
Using internet data and private interviews with many of George W. Bush’s top campaign advisors, the presentation shows how secret, largely unexamined campaign decisions ultimately shaped global politics. Their ramifications impacted historic events including the response to 9/11, the decision to launch the Iraq War, the withdrawal from the Kyoto agreement, and decisions that rapidly fueled the rise of China as a global power.
The presentation will go through the key factors that both shape campaign foreign policies and allow them to later influence international relations. These will be examined not only for George W. Bush, but also for President Obama, and—with great implications for future global affairs—Donald J. Trump. Perhaps most importantly, as the America prepares for a new presidential election in less than two years, it will examine the stakes and key dynamics to look for as Trump and his political rivals make campaign decisions that could reshape your world.
This talk is open to all.
Sherry, orange juice and water will be served.
Online bookings are not available for this event.