Channels of Power: The UN Security Council and U.S. Statecraft in Iraq

Thompson's books adds to the small but growing body of work addressing why powerful countries would channel foreign policies through IOs. A major strength of Channels of Power is that it pays serious attention to theory development, generating falsifiable hypotheses about state behavior and international reaction to activity at the Security Council. Channels of Power is very well written and researched and its an important contribution to the literature on international organizations and security policy. -Terrence Chapman, Political Science Quarterly, Winter 2009-2010

Channels of Power makes a major contribution by showing how international organizations provide informative signals to states with respect to coercive foreign policy actions. It deserves the attention of all students of world politics. -Robert O. Keohane, Professor of International Affairs, Woodrow Wilson School of International and Public Affairs, Princeton University

Channels of Power addresses an important and fascinating issue using an innovative argument, careful theoretical reasoning, and sound empirical evidence. Alexander Thompson's book will stand out as a particularly valuable contribution to the literature on the Security Council, Iraq, and U.S. statecraft. Given the clarity and accessibility of Thompson's argument and evidence, Channels of Power should find its way into undergraduate classrooms. -Darren Hawkins, Brigham Young University

Alexander Thompson has crafted an original and penetrating analysis of the UN Security Council, of U.S. policy toward Iraq, and of the informational role of international organizations more generally. Much of the political science literature regards IOs as sources of information, yet remains vague about what information they might provide or under what conditions they can do so effectively. Thompson argues that neutral IOs provide information about the intentions and likely effects of states who are contemplating the use of military force. In his novel vision, IOs can be both neutral and facilitators of coercion. This book should be read by all scholars of international institutions as well as those interested in the Security Council and in recent U.S. foreign policy. -Lisa Martin, author of Democratic Commitments: Legislatures and International Cooperation

Channels of Power makes many outstanding contributions to the field of international relations. Alex Thompson furthers our theoretical understanding of why and when states consult with international institutions. The book also offers a compelling and sharp empirical narrative linking U.S. policy toward Iraq from the first Gulf War through the aftermath of the second U.S. invasion. Finally, Thompson's work elucidates important lessons for the continuing debate between unilateralism and multilateralism in American foreign policy. -Jon Pevehouse, University of Chicago