THE PRESIDENTIAL MANDATE

 

The chapter re-focuses attention on the President as the leader in deciding U.S. National Security Policy.  First we must remember that the President is human, and will therefore make mistakes in deciding policy.  The key for a successful President is to limit his mistakes and bad judgments in a way that maintains his credibility as an effective leader.

 

Limits of the Presidency include those limitations imposed by law, and that he needs public support and consensus from the National Security establishment to make his agenda successful.

 

Four Conclusions:

 

  1. Presidential personality must promote leadership within a democratic framework.

 

  1. President must understand the capabilities, and limitations, of the National Security establishment in order to create an effective policy.

 

  1. President and the “Policy Triad” – the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Advisor – must rethink our National Security Strategy in the context of the 21st century.  We cannot rely on policies left over from the Cold War to keep us secure in our changing world.

 

  1. President needs committed leaders within the National Security establishment whom he can trust.

 

 

Most importantly, the President must be able to clearly articulate to the entire world exactly where the United States stands on the various issues concerning the world today.