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The Insiders’ Game: How Elites Make War and Peace
How elites shape the use of force in American foreign policy
One of the most widely held views of democratic leaders is that they are cautious about using military force because voters can hold them accountable, ultimately making democracies more peaceful. How, then, are leaders able to wage war in the face of popular opposition, or end conflicts when the public still supports them? The Insiders’ Game sheds light on this enduring puzzle, arguing that the primary constraints on decisions about war and peace come from elites, not the public.
Elizabeth Saunders focuses on three groups of elites—presidential advisers, legislators, and military officials—to show how the dynamics of this insiders’ game are key to understanding the use of force in American foreign policy. She explores how elite preferences differ from those of ordinary voters, and how leaders must bargain with elites to secure their support for war. Saunders provides insights into why leaders start and prolong conflicts the public does not want, but also demonstrates how elites can force leaders to change course and end wars.
Tracing presidential decisions about the use of force from the Cold War through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Saunders reveals how the elite politics of war are a central feature of democracy. The Insiders’ Game shifts the focus of democratic accountability from the voting booth to the halls of power.
One of the most widely held views of democratic leaders is that they are cautious about using military force because voters can hold them accountable, ultimately making democracies more peaceful. How, then, are leaders able to wage war in the face of popular opposition, or end conflicts when the public still supports them? The Insiders’ Game sheds light on this enduring puzzle, arguing that the primary constraints on decisions about war and peace come from elites, not the public.
Elizabeth Saunders focuses on three groups of elites—presidential advisers, legislators, and military officials—to show how the dynamics of this insiders’ game are key to understanding the use of force in American foreign policy. She explores how elite preferences differ from those of ordinary voters, and how leaders must bargain with elites to secure their support for war. Saunders provides insights into why leaders start and prolong conflicts the public does not want, but also demonstrates how elites can force leaders to change course and end wars.
Tracing presidential decisions about the use of force from the Cold War through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Saunders reveals how the elite politics of war are a central feature of democracy. The Insiders’ Game shifts the focus of democratic accountability from the voting booth to the halls of power.
344 pages, Paperback
Published March 26, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 1, 2024
Men are trash.
April 3, 2024
Saunders takes readers on a thrilling journey behind the scenes of international diplomacy and conflict resolution in this brand new book. Saunders, a renowned political scientist, provides a fascinating and in-depth analysis of how elites navigate the complex world of global politics. From the corridors of power in Washington D.C. to the negotiating tables of international summits, Saunders delves into the intricate strategies and tactics used by elites to shape the course of history. Through a combination of insightful anecdotes and rigorous research, she uncovers the hidden dynamics that drive decision-making at the highest levels of government. An intriguing aspect of the book is Saunders’ exploration of the personal relationships and rivalries that often play a pivotal role in shaping international relations. She reveals how individual personalities and personal vendettas can have a profound impact on the outcome of crucial negotiations and conflicts. “The Insiders’ Game” is a riveting read that will appeal to both seasoned political scholars and casual readers interested in the behind-the-scenes machinations of global power players. Saunders’ engaging writing style and knack for storytelling make this book a page-turner from start to finish, and this is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of how elites wield their influence on the world stage. With its blend of intrigue, insight, and wit, this book is sure to captivate and enlighten readers of all backgrounds.
November 23, 2025
Saunders builds on her article of the same title to offer this significant contribution to the discourse of democratic elite politics and state-level conflict decision making. The body of theory is grounded in several international relations and domestic political paradigms and focusses on the political interactions of elites and the policy agency of leaders, emphasising the shared authority of elite consensus or dissent on the decision of whether a state should or should not use force.
Saunders addresses gaps in exisiting analysis to conclude that the public (even in functioning liberal democracies) pay little attention to foreign policy, including authorisation of the use of force. This offers an alternative explanation to the long lauded ‘influence of public opinion’ theory, which the author argues over-estimates the care and/or influence of the electorate and is thus a poor explanatory model.
Saunders addresses gaps in exisiting analysis to conclude that the public (even in functioning liberal democracies) pay little attention to foreign policy, including authorisation of the use of force. This offers an alternative explanation to the long lauded ‘influence of public opinion’ theory, which the author argues over-estimates the care and/or influence of the electorate and is thus a poor explanatory model.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews