The nature of the U.S. political system, with its overlapping powers, intense partisanship, and continuous scrutiny from the media and public, complicates the conduct of foreign policy. Indeed, a number of presidents have struggled under the weight of these conditions. Theodore Roosevelt, in contrast, thrived and is widely lauded for his diplomacy.
Roosevelt played a crucial role in the nation's rise to world power, competition with other new Great Powers such as Germany and Japan, and U.S. participation in World War I. He was able to implement the majority of his agenda even though he was confronted by a hostile Democratic Party, suspicious conservatives in the Republican Party, and the social and political ferment of the progressive era. What was the secret to TR's success? InGreat Power Rising, John M. Thompson argues that Roosevelt combined a compelling vision for national greatness, considerable political skill, faith in the people and the U.S. system, and an emphasis on providing leadership. It helped that the public mood was not isolationist, as some historians have argued, but was willing to support all of TR's major objectives--though Roosevelt's feel for the national mood was crucial, as was his willingness to compromise when necessary.
By offering the first analysis of the politics of foreign policy for the entirety of Roosevelt's career, Thompson sheds new light on the twenty-sixth president and provides a rare case study of how one politician navigated the challenges and opportunities presented by the U.S. political system.
