Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript Abstract: The empirical study of values publicly expressed by three presidents concerning the use of military force in Iraq provides a framework to explore the theoretical significance of the role of values in foreign policy. The study's design is based upon Lasswell's theory on power and the language of politics and applies an updated dictionary of values to operationalize Lasswell's theories. Recent foreign policy decisions on Iraq provide a unique historical case to compare the role of values publicly expressed by Presidents Bush, Clinton, and W. Bush to persuade others in the power process and to generate public support for the president's preferred policy decisions.
