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Presidential political ambition and US foreign conflict behavior, 1816–2010

Author

Listed:
  • Matthew DiLorenzo

    (Vanderbilt University, USA)

  • Becca McBride

    (Calvin College, USA)

  • James Lee Ray

    (Vanderbilt University, USA)

Abstract

How do term limits affect international conflict behavior? We revisit this question using new quarter-year-level data on presidential political ambition in the US from 1816 to 2010. Multi-country research finds that the re-election motive decreases the likelihood of conflict initiation. We argue that there are good reasons to expect that the US is different. We find that politically ambitious US presidents are more likely to initiate international conflicts. Consistent with previous research, however, we find that political ambition appears to be unrelated to a president’s chances of becoming the target of a militarized dispute.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew DiLorenzo & Becca McBride & James Lee Ray, 2019. "Presidential political ambition and US foreign conflict behavior, 1816–2010," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 36(2), pages 111-130, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:compsc:v:36:y:2019:i:2:p:111-130
    DOI: 10.1177/0738894216665228
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