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Going Private

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  • Matthew A. Baum

    (Department of Political Science, University of California, Los Angeles)

Abstract

This study investigates why, despite the potential credibility enhancement associated with generating domestic audience costs, leaders (in this instance, U.S. presidents) frequently opt to “go private†by conducting foreign policy out of the public spotlight. The author argues that they do so for two primary reasons: (1) public scrutiny disproportionately raises the potential political price of a bad outcome, and (2) leaders’ efforts to generate audience costs can sometimes backfire, as the reactions of the domestic “audience†—once engaged—are not entirely predictable. An analysis of U.S. behavior in all international crises between 1946 and 1994 shows that when national security interests in a crisis are modest, American presidents are indeed less likely to speak publicly about potential adversaries, unless they are quite confident of success if a fight ensues.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew A. Baum, 2004. "Going Private," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 48(5), pages 603-631, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:48:y:2004:i:5:p:603-631
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002704267764
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Baum, Matthew A. & Nau, Henry R., 2009. "Foreign Policy Views and U.S Standing in the World," Scholarly Articles 4448880, Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

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