Michael J. Glennon

Michael J. Glennon is a professor of international law at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and a legal scholar known for his work on constitutional law, national security, and international relations. Glennon served as legal counsel to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and has written extensively on the evolution of executive power in U.S. foreign policy. His book "National Security and Double Government" (2014) examines how national security policy is shaped by both elected officials and a network of security bureaucrats, arguing that traditional constitutional checks have eroded. His scholarly work focuses on the intersection of law and national security, particularly examining war powers, intelligence oversight, and the constitutional separation of powers. Notable publications include "Constitutional Diplomacy" and "Limits of Law, Prerogatives of Power: Interventionism After Kosovo." Glennon regularly contributes to academic journals and media outlets on matters of international law and U.S. foreign policy. His analysis of institutional power structures and national security decision-making has influenced academic and policy discussions about American governance and constitutional authority.

Readers value Glennon's insider perspective on national security institutions and detailed analysis of how power actually functions in Washington. His academic works receive attention mainly from law students, scholars, and policy professionals. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of complex legal and constitutional concepts - Well-researched evidence supporting arguments about institutional power - Practical insights from his Senate Foreign Relations Committee experience - "National Security and Double Government" receives particular praise for exposing how security bureaucracies operate behind elected officials What readers disliked: - Dense academic writing style can be difficult for general readers - Some find his conclusions about eroded democratic control too pessimistic - Legal terminology and case citations slow the reading pace Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: "National Security and Double Government" - 4.0/5 (127 ratings) - Amazon: "Constitutional Diplomacy" - 4.2/5 (15 ratings) - "Limits of Law, Prerogatives of Power" - 3.8/5 (9 ratings) Most reviews come from academic and professional readers rather than general audience.

National Security and Double Government (2014) Examines how U.S. national security policy is shaped by both elected officials and permanent bureaucratic institutions, analyzing the erosion of traditional constitutional checks and balances.

Constitutional Diplomacy (1990) Analyzes the constitutional framework governing U.S. foreign relations, exploring the distribution of foreign affairs powers between Congress and the President.

Limits of Law, Prerogatives of Power: Interventionism After Kosovo (2001) Examines the legal and political implications of NATO's Kosovo intervention, addressing questions of international law and the use of military force.

United States Foreign Relations and National Security Law (2014) Provides comprehensive coverage of legal issues in U.S. foreign relations, including treaty powers, war powers, and intelligence operations.

When Has the United States Gone to War? (2016) Chronicles and analyzes the legal basis for U.S. military interventions throughout history, examining the evolution of war powers.

Harold Koh As former Legal Adviser at the State Department and Yale Law professor, Koh examines presidential war powers and international law from both academic and practical perspectives. His work "The National Security Constitution" analyzes many of the same executive power dynamics that Glennon explores.

Jack Goldsmith A Harvard Law professor and former Office of Legal Counsel head, Goldsmith writes extensively on national security law and executive authority. His book "Power and Constraint" examines the checks on presidential power in the national security realm, complementing Glennon's analysis of security institutions.

Peter Shane Shane's research at Ohio State focuses on separation of powers and presidential authority in national security matters. His work "Madison's Nightmare" explores how executive branch power has evolved beyond constitutional bounds, paralleling Glennon's concerns about institutional oversight.

Bruce Ackerman A constitutional law scholar at Yale, Ackerman examines how American governmental institutions have transformed over time. His book "The Decline and Fall of the American Republic" addresses similar themes about institutional power and democratic accountability that Glennon explores.

Charlie Savage A New York Times journalist covering national security and legal issues, Savage has written extensively about executive power and national security institutions. His book "Power Wars" documents the national security state's evolution, providing reporting-based analysis that complements Glennon's theoretical framework.