
Published online:
24 March 2016
Published in print:
19 March 2012
Online ISBN:
9780814763377
Print ISBN:
9780814761441
Contents
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The United States, the United Kingdom, and Iraq The United States, the United Kingdom, and Iraq
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Iraq 2003 Iraq 2003
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The Heat of the Action The Heat of the Action
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British and American Punishment British and American Punishment
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No Dilemma for Military Prisoners No Dilemma for Military Prisoners
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Fall Guys Fall Guys
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Privilege of Rank Privilege of Rank
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An Opportunity for Accountability: Trophy Photos and Goal Variance An Opportunity for Accountability: Trophy Photos and Goal Variance
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Accountability Accountability
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Appendix 9.1. Cases Involving Unlawful Killing or Abuse of Iraqi Civilians or Detainees, 2003–2008 Appendix 9.1. Cases Involving Unlawful Killing or Abuse of Iraqi Civilians or Detainees, 2003–2008
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Cite
Mitchell, Neil James, 'Baghdad to Basra', Democracy's Blameless Leaders: From Dresden to Abu Ghraib, How Leaders Evade Accountability for Abuse, Atrocity, and Killing (New York, NY , 2012; online edn, NYU Press Scholarship Online, 24 Mar. 2016), https://doi.org/10.18574/nyu/9780814761441.003.0009, accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
Abstract
This chapter discusses how British and American leaders manage unlawful killings. Leaders do not want to accept personal blame for initiating or for failing to prevent wrongful actions. Nor do they normally want to punish an agent, because doing so may affect the loyalty of others. Whether democratic leaders are gripped by a neoconservative agenda, like President George W. Bush, or by an “ethical foreign policy,” like Prime Minister Tony Blair, they will seek public support and the loyalty of officials. A democratic leader is expected to “back his women and men.” Under these pressures, a leader is loath to admit abuse and reluctant to administer punishment.
Keywords:
British leaders, American leaders, blame, neoconservative agenda, George W. Bush, Tony Blair, democratic leader
Subject
International Relations
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