Rogue State chronicles how West Virginia entered-and remains-in the Union under unconstitutional circumstances. Its severance from Virginia and reincorporation as a new state in 1863 occurred outside the bounds of constitutional legality. The United States government, while pledged to prevent the secession of eleven states from the Union, nevertheless condoned, abetted, supported, and ultimately affirmed secession of fifty counties without permission from Virginia. This unprecedented and unconstitutional process marks the only time in American history that a state was created and admitted to the Union outside the boundaries of the prescribed constitutional process. Lincoln's attorney general even declared the process unconstitutional. Though secession was not permitted for states or parts of states by the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. government produced a facade of legality and constitutionality in 1863 to justify the secession of a part of one state to form another.

The Neutrality Imperative examines the policy of neutrality that was used as an effective guiding principle in American foreign policy. Because it was such a strong and valid principle in U.S. foreign policy until WWII, it can be called "the neutrality imperative." For much of American history, neutrality was more than a preference; it was a foreign policy imperative. George Washington's policy of neutrality provided security through peace. In the 21st century, "the neutrality imperative" is a valid option to achieve peace, stability, and security. In The Neutrality Imperative, author Richard H. Owens draws observations and conclusions about U.S. foreign policy from Washington to Bush and cites implications for future international conduct. This book assists in understanding the 'what and why' of foreign affairs, and offers a blueprint for understanding and guiding future U.S. foreign policy decisions.