"Sarah Burns has written a sweeping account of the contentious debate over war powers through the eyes of Montesquieu, Locke, and an array of American statesmen. The author's mastery of the philosophical debates over war powers coupled with her sound grasp of history makes for a remarkable read. Her insightful discussion of Abraham Lincoln's interpretation of presidential war powers and prerogative power is worth the price of admission alone."-- Stephen F. Knott , professor in the Department of National Security Affairs, United States Naval War College "Sarah Burns's The Politics of War Powers is a careful and illuminating study of the expansion of the president's war-making powers at the expense of an often neglectful Congress. Beginning with a discussion of the founders' thoughtful use of Montesquieu's understanding of political moderation, Professor Burns then traces presidential understanding of these powers from Washington to the present. She argues convincingly that legal attempts to justify growing presidential control too often today replace debate and discussion about the prudence of military action."-- Mark Blitz , Fletcher Jones Professor of Political Philosophy, Claremont Graduate University "Those who ponder presidential power and America's constitutional order have long needed such a comprehensive yet original book as Sarah Burns delivers.

The Politics of War Powers articulates the lost Montesquieuan argument behind the letter and spirit of our unique constitutional frame and its distinctive executive power--and with an appropriate eye toward policy relevance for current and expected challenges. This broader view connects the big ideas about war and peace, the high politics of national strategy, and how these have played out in America's history. A judicious yet urgent call to restore America's constitutional moderation, it deserves to reset the terms of debate among scholars, lawyers, and our political leaders."-- Paul Carrese , director of the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, Arizona State University.