Coalition war and burden-sharing: the President vs the Congress

Abstract

this thesis examines past U.S. approached to coalitions and efforts to forge alliances in peace and war in the 20th century. Specifically, it analyses the conflict between the executive and legislative branches with respect to coalition building and burden-sharing The thesis suggests that the amount of Congressional activism depends on the perception of an external threat among members of the legislative branch. Likewise, thesis highlights the tension between Congressional desires to impose the burden upon allies while retaining control over coalition policy and forces. The thesis concludes with a case study of Operation Desert Storm and burden-sharing. Finally, the author warns of dangerous precedent established by the shift in burden-sharing responsibilities in the recent past between the executive and legislative bodies.