Edinburgh University Press Eisenhower and the Soviet Union: Presidential Leadership in Foreign Policy, 1953-61 (New Perspectives on the American Presidency)

Examines whether Eisenhower adhered to a coherent, unique and effective form of presidential leadership Assesses the mode and quality of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidential leadership by analysing his contribution to American policy towards the Soviet Union from 1953 to 1961 Addresses major historiographical debates in Eisenhower scholarship Examines strategy development, crisis management, interpersonal relationships, communication methods, interpreting Soviet leadership politics and handling domestic politics Covers Eisenhower’s role in significant events and crises of the period, for example: Sputnik, Berlin and summitry in Geneva and Paris Explores thematic issues in the US-Soviet bilateral relationship such as the ‘contacts agenda’ How did Eisenhower, as president, lead his administration’s policy towards the Soviet Union? What general observations can be made about Eisenhower’s presidential leadership based on this account of how he managed Soviet policy? What does this mean for how Eisenhower’s leadership has been framed to date? The book offers a nuanced comparison of Eisenhower’s performance across separate elements of presidential leadership, how they knitted together as a whole and his evolution as a leader over eight years. It provides a basis for scrutinising cornerstones of Eisenhower scholarship, including the pervasive conception of ‘hidden-hand’ leadership, which has long had a transformative impact on interpretations of Eisenhower’s presidency.