Congress Resurgent: Foreign and Defense Policy on Capitol Hill (Mershon Center Series on International Security and Foreign Policy)

The most significant change over the past two decades in the way the United States makes foreign and defense policy has been the resurgence of congressional activity. On issues as prominent as the Gulf war and as little-noticed as aid to the International Monetary Fund, members of Congress have sought significant influence over foreign and defense policy. Congress Resurgent is a complete examination of this recent phenomenon.

The contributors look at the constraints and pressures put on Congress as it addresses foreign policy and the institutional processes that enable it to legislate foreign policy. The various perspectives combine to make clear the real impact Congress has on foreign policy. Students and scholars both of international affairs and of the legislative process will be enlightened by this careful study.