Extra Credit Assignment for Fall 2011, POLS 184

184 Extra Credit Assignment:
In the summer of 2011, a columnist at the Atlantic conducted a survey of the best and worst foreign policy Presidents during the 20th century (1900s, so no GW Bush). This list was met with some controversy on the internet. Your task is to evaluate this list and provide a better list of sorts. Nominate one person to be one of the best, worst, and also a wild card (like GW Bush was mentioned in the original article). Justify your selections with original research. If you nominate someone as the best FP President, they cannot already be on Atlantic’s list as the best (but they can be on the worst list and vice versa, hint). Stick to the 20th century. For each nomination, you must include at least two original research sources (books, journal articles, no blog posts, Wikipedia articles, or newspaper articles). Your paper should be at least 7 pages (including 6 original sources) and is worth 20 points applied to any test or assignment. Assignment is due during the Final.

Original article link

Best (cannot repeat in your paper):
1. FDR
2. Eisenhower
3. George HW Bush (the Elder)
4. Reagan
5. JFK

Worst:
1. LBJ
2. Jimmy Carter
3. Woodrow Wilson
4. Truman
5. Nixon

Wild Card: GW Bush