Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This article examines why Truman chose to operate through the United Nations in the Korean War, and the consequences of his actions for U.S. national security policy making today. Given the George W. Bush administration's decision in February and March 2003 not to seek a resolution from the UN authorizing the use of force in Iraq, an analysis of the Truman administration's decision to seek UN support for the Korean War is both timely and necessary. In particular, this article focuses on two questions: First, why did Truman seek a UN resolution authorizing the use of force in Korea? Second, why did Truman decide not to seek a congressional resolution supporting the war? The article finds that Truman's use of the UN solidified the organization's role in international conflict resolution, but that his decision not to seek a congressional resolution missed an opportunity to build a strong domestic coalition for his actions.