Crusading Realism

Crusading Realism discusses the presidential dominance of American foreign policy and the religiosity and leadership style of President George W. Bush. Contrasting the post-9/11 Bush administration with its earlier incarnation and with that of its immediate predecessor, the development of a distinctive policy position founded on pre-emption, prevention, primacy, and the promotion of democracy is examined. The emergence of the Bush Doctrine from 2001-2003 is analyzed in relation to four distinct phases: its genesis, initial development, further evolution, and maturation. The Bush Doctrine in this period culminates in the decision to invade Iraq in the light of the heightened sense of threat occasioned by a 'toxic nexus' of trans-national terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and rogue states. The standard accounts of neo-conservative coup are re-assessed and dismissed. Attempts to characterize the Bush Doctrine in terms of Realism, Idealism or other theories of international relations are considered, and the concept of Crusading Realism returns America to its political roots in the idea of natural law, the American Revolution, and the foundation of the Republic.

Crusading Realism discusses the presidential dominance of American foreign policy and the religiosity and leadership style of President George W. Bush.

Lamont Colucci is a professor of international relations and national security at Ripon College. He has served in the Department of State and his primary area of expertise is United States national security and United States foreign policy. He is the coordinator for an interdisciplinary national security studies program and teaches courses on national security, foreign policy, intelligence, terrorism and international relations. He has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a doctorate in politics from the University of London, England.