Explaining when leaders follow their convictions in foreign policy

What is it about?

Many political scientists argue that when considering foreign policy decisions, leaders prioritize firstly their domestic political position, and won't shoot themselves in the foot with a decision that is too costly in domestic political terms. Using the case study of Tony Blair and the Second Lebanon War I show conditions under which a leader may follow their own convictions, even in the face of heavy domestic political costs.

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Why is it important?

My paper shows that we should not assume politicians will always be driven primarily my the desire to hold on to power, and prompts us to think about the kinds of leaders we really want: those who have the 'courage of their convictions', or those who are responsive to the public mood?

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