| Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.'s The Imperial Presidency argues that American foreign policy has historically been driven by the continuous consolidation of power within the executive branch at the expense of Congressional influence. However, Schlesinger neglects to acknowledge the significance of domestic politics on the evolution of foreign policy. Through an analysis of The Imperial Presidency and Helen Milner's Interests, Institutions, and Information: Domestic Politics and International Relations, this thesis examines the importance and extent of domestic political concerns on American foreign policy during the Nixon and Reagan administrations, and argues that political pragmatism, specifically the desire to maintain power, was the primary underlying motivation for each administration's foreign policy. |
