Coalition Building and Overcoming Legislative Gridlock in Foreign Policy, 1947–98

Abstract

Political analysis of gridlock and legislative stalemate has not differentiated between foreign and domestic policy. Foreign policy is widely considered different from domestic policy, with less conflict and greater cooperation between the branches. The author offers explanations for gridlock that focus on conditions related to coalition building within Congress and between the branches. It is hypothesized that gridlock in foreign polity increases under divided government. Other important indicators of foreign policy gridlock include ideological differences between the two chambers of Congress and between the two political parties as well as the ideological cohesiveness of the two parties. An examination of the significant, consequential, seriously considered foreign policy legislation that failed to pass since 1947 supports the coalition model. When indicators suggest the ability to build coalitions is high, legislative gridlock in foreign policy is reduced.