David Patrick Houghton is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Central Florida. He is the author of US Foreign Policy and the Iran Hostage Crisis (Cambridge University Press), Political Psychology: Situations, Individuals, and Cases (Routledge), and The Decision Point: Six Case Studies in US Foreign Policy Decision-Making (Oxford), as well as co-author of Controversies in American Politics and Society (Blackwell Publishing Inc).

"Why do smart people make poor decisions? In this fascinating and well written Citizen's Guide, David Houghton explains why things often turn out so poorly for American presidents and their foreign policy advisers. Everyone interested in understanding how our government works (or doesn't) should read this book."—James Goldgeier, Dean of the School of International Service, American University, and author of America Between the Wars: 11/9 to 9/11"Aside from students in their classrooms, political scientists must engage the public at large so as to do their part in enabling a critical citizenry. Houghton demonstrates tremendous talent in engaging, educating and entertaining his audience about American foreign policy. He is provocative, but constructive, and his book is an important public service."—Akan Malici, Furman University "Engaging in style, creative in approach, insightful in its analysis, and written to be accessible to any student or citizen interested in American foreign policy."—Bruce W. Jentleson, Duke University

• Preface. 1. The Fiasco Factory: A Frank Drebin School of American Foreign Policy? 2. Don’t Know Much About History: What’s the Difference Between Iran and Iraq, Again? 3. Republicans or Democrats, and Leadership In General: Does It Make a Difference? 4. The Trouble With Congress 5. Special Interests: How Special Are They? 6. Making Foreign Policy By Image, Soundbite and Opinion Poll? 7. See No Evil, Hear No Evil 8. Conclusions.

David Patrick Houghton is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Central Florida. He is the author of US Foreign Policy and the Iran Hostage Crisis (Cambridge University Press), Political Psychology: Situations, Individuals, and Cases (Routledge), and The Decision Point: Six Case Studies in US Foreign Policy Decision-Making (Oxford), as well as co-author of Controversies in American Politics and Society (Blackwell Publishing Inc).

"Why do smart people make poor decisions? In this fascinating and well written Citizen's Guide, David Houghton explains why things often turn out so poorly for American presidents and their foreign policy advisers. Everyone interested in understanding how our government works (or doesn't) should read this book."—James Goldgeier, Dean of the School of International Service, American University, and author of America Between the Wars: 11/9 to 9/11"Aside from students in their classrooms, political scientists must engage the public at large so as to do their part in enabling a critical citizenry. Houghton demonstrates tremendous talent in engaging, educating and entertaining his audience about American foreign policy. He is provocative, but constructive, and his book is an important public service."—Akan Malici, Furman University "Engaging in style, creative in approach, insightful in its analysis, and written to be accessible to any student or citizen interested in American foreign policy."—Bruce W. Jentleson, Duke University

• Preface. 1. The Fiasco Factory: A Frank Drebin School of American Foreign Policy? 2. Don’t Know Much About History: What’s the Difference Between Iran and Iraq, Again? 3. Republicans or Democrats, and Leadership In General: Does It Make a Difference? 4. The Trouble With Congress 5. Special Interests: How Special Are They? 6. Making Foreign Policy By Image, Soundbite and Opinion Poll? 7. See No Evil, Hear No Evil 8. Conclusions.

David Patrick Houghton is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Central Florida. He is the author of US Foreign Policy and the Iran Hostage Crisis (Cambridge University Press), Political Psychology: Situations, Individuals, and Cases (Routledge), and The Decision Point: Six Case Studies in US Foreign Policy Decision-Making (Oxford), as well as co-author of Controversies in American Politics and Society (Blackwell Publishing Inc).

"Why do smart people make poor decisions? In this fascinating and well written Citizen's Guide, David Houghton explains why things often turn out so poorly for American presidents and their foreign policy advisers. Everyone interested in understanding how our government works (or doesn't) should read this book."—James Goldgeier, Dean of the School of International Service, American University, and author of America Between the Wars: 11/9 to 9/11"Aside from students in their classrooms, political scientists must engage the public at large so as to do their part in enabling a critical citizenry. Houghton demonstrates tremendous talent in engaging, educating and entertaining his audience about American foreign policy. He is provocative, but constructive, and his book is an important public service."—Akan Malici, Furman University "Engaging in style, creative in approach, insightful in its analysis, and written to be accessible to any student or citizen interested in American foreign policy."—Bruce W. Jentleson, Duke University

• Preface. 1. The Fiasco Factory: A Frank Drebin School of American Foreign Policy? 2. Don’t Know Much About History: What’s the Difference Between Iran and Iraq, Again? 3. Republicans or Democrats, and Leadership In General: Does It Make a Difference? 4. The Trouble With Congress 5. Special Interests: How Special Are They? 6. Making Foreign Policy By Image, Soundbite and Opinion Poll? 7. See No Evil, Hear No Evil 8. Conclusions.