Leadership and Legacy

Applies a variety of scholarly approaches to analyze the long-term impact of President Obama as a leader and policymaker.

Historic, intriguing, and important in so many ways, the Obama presidency will be studied by scholars and students for years to come. With the rise in hyperpartisanship, legislative gridlock, political dysfunction, “fake news,” and other negative trends, it is imperative that academicians weigh in with a rigorous assessment of Obama’s presidency. This volume applies a variety of scholarly approaches to analyze the impact of Obama as a leader and policymaker. Scholars from disciplines such as political science, history, environmental science, economics, and communication come together to provide an interdisciplinary and wide-ranging appraisal of the president. Across the varied chapters, Obama’s leadership is central to understanding the success or failure of his policies and initiatives. The president’s decisions and actions are also assessed against the constraints and possibilities created by the modern US political system, rapid changes in technology and society, and shifting patterns in international relations. The result is a book that covers executive leadership, administration, domestic issues, foreign and national security policy, and more, to present a comprehensive review of the Obama legacy.

Tom Lansford is Professor of Political Science at the University of Southern Mississippi. Douglas M. Brattebo is Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the James A. Garfield Center for the Study of the Presidency at Hiram College. Robert P. Watson is Distinguished Professor of American History and Director of Project Civitas at Lynn University. Casey Maugh Funderburk is Vice Provost, Associate Professor of Communication Studies, Associate Director of Interdisciplinary Studies, and Director of the Speaking and Writing Center at the University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast.