Presidential Policies on Terrorism

Presidential Policies on Terrorism analyzes how the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama approached the problem of international terrorism and used force to deter and prevent terrorist attacks. Donna G. Starr-Deelen examines specific terrorist events and the administrations' reactions, along with the administrations' choice between a law enforcement approach or a war paradigm in counterterrorism. Ronald Reagan's "war against terrorism" in the 1980's is juxtaposed with the "war on terror" launched by George W. Bush following 9/11. Concluding with an analysis of the Obama administration's approach to drone warfare and treatment of terrorism detainees, Presidential Policies on Terrorism demonstrates how far-reaching aspects of the war on terror continues to impact counterterrorism today. "Presidential Policies on Terrorism is a thorough and thoughtful analysis of counterterrorism tools from Reagan to Obama. Starr-Deelen explores fundamental issues of the principles that guide the allocation of power over foreign affairs and the role of all three branches in safeguarding constitutional government. She draws on insightful interviews with scholars and policymakers from within the intelligence community." - Louis Fisher, Scholar in Residence, The Constitution Project, USA and author of Presidential War Powers