Beyond the popular notion that Congress is always engaged in high-level national policymaking and classic drama lies an important reality: the bulk of congressional activity is the protracted, grinding work of developing and enacting complex, detailed legislation vital to our nation's operation but often ignored by the public. This book illuminates the inner workings of legislative and executive interaction by focusing on one example of "low profile" legislation--the Foreign Service Act of 1980. Bacchus traces the making of this extremely complex law through its nine months of development in the Department of State and a further sixteen months in Congress from introduction to enactment. The act promises to be a key element of the U.S. foreign policy apparatus and of major importance in providing a sound basis for future operations of the Foreign Service; yet, the biggest danger its proponents faced was not opposition, but rather inattention and lack of interest. Beyond providing an accurate picture of the workings of Congress, Bacchus points to the risks to the public interest that are encountered when important legislation is enacted almost in private, influenced only by those who have direct stakes in the outcome.

In 1966, the Department of State attempted to strengthen the working level of its geographic bureaus through the establishment of "Country Directors" charged with government-wide leadership and coordination of policy matters concerning individual foreign countries. Through extensive interviews with incumbent Country Directors and members of the foreign affairs community, William I. Bacchus has explored the role of the Country Director, gaining insights into the foreign policy process, and noting obstacles that limit planned modification in large organizations. By focusing on the working level, where day-to-day affairs are conducted, this book amplifies and expands on the findings of a number of recent studies of organizational change and behavior, the foreign policy process, and bureaucratic politics. Originally published in 1974. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

In 1966, the Department of State attempted to strengthen the working level of its geographic bureaus through the establishment of "Country Directors" charged with government-wide leadership and coordination of policy matters concerning individual foreign countries. Through extensive interviews with incumbent Country Directors and members of the foreign affairs community, William I. Bacchus has explored the role of the Country Director, gaining insights into the foreign policy process, and noting obstacles that limit planned modification in large organizations. By focusing on the working level, where day-to-day affairs are conducted, this book amplifies and expands on the findings of a number of recent studies of organizational change and behavior, the foreign policy process, and bureaucratic politics. Originally published in 1974. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

William Bacchus warns that the American Foreign Service is in serious danger of being unable to meet changing responsibilities unless it reforms its present personnel system. Originally published in 1983. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

William Bacchus warns that the American Foreign Service is in serious danger of being unable to meet changing responsibilities unless it reforms its present personnel system.

Originally published in 1983.

The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These paperback editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

An insider's account of how constitutional struggles between the executive and legislative branches interact with budgetary mechanisms to affect the implementation of U.S. foreign policy.

In this first in-depth study of the process by which U.S. foreign policy is funded, William Bacchus draws on more than twenty years' experience in government to analyze the uneasy interplay between the executive and legislative branches as decisions about priorities and policies are made. He begins by examining historical trends in foreign affairs budgeting, then shows how budget proposals are originated in the Executive branch and how they are affected by the complexities of congressional appropriation and authorization, and concludes with a look at "myths" about budgeting and suggestions for improving the system.

Bacchus supports his analysis with case studies that link constitutional issues with the everyday governmental activity of matching limited resources to policy priorities. He reviews not only difficulties of coordination faced by the Executive branch but also Congress's bid for a greater voice in foreign policy, ranging from the Contra Aid hearings to the 1995 confrontations over funding levels and reorganization of executive agencies.

The Price of American Foreign Policy provides a better understanding of the budget process as it affects our ability to carry out an effective foreign policy and demonstrates the need for enhanced mutual trust between the branches of government if our national interests are to be protected.