U.S. presidents from the South more likely to use force in military disputes

[KamaAina]

http://news.yale.edu/2016/04/06/us-presidents-south-more-likely-use-force-military-disputes

The United States is more likely to use force in a military dispute when the president is a Southerner, according to a new study coauthored by a Yale political scientist.

The study, published this month in the journal World Politics, argues that “Southern honor” — an ethical code that emphasizes a reputation for resolve — pervasively shapes Southern presidents’ approach to disputes with other nations, making those presidents less willing than their peers from northern states to back down during international disputes. Consequently, Southern presidents have been more likely to use military force, resist withdrawal, and ultimately achieve victory, the study finds....

Their analysis shows that when militarized disputes occurred under Southern presidents, they were twice as likely to result in the use of force, lasted on average twice as long, and were three times as likely to result in an American victory.

“Our findings are consistent with Southerners being more concerned with demonstrating a reputation for resolve,” said Dafoe. “They provide evidence of the powerful influence that concern for reputation has on international conflicts.”

[davenelson5555]

1. A limiting factor in a president, to be sure

I like my presidents to have integrity and fortitude, but it's a little sick to put the American people in the passenger seat while some sociopath is busy proving what a tough guy he is behind the wheel (I'm looking at you, George W. Bush).

[KamaAina]

2. Great first post!

Welcome to DU!

[davenelson5555]

4. Thank you!

[Aristus]

5. Except W. isn't from Texas. He's from Connecticut.

I imagine all his rootin', tootin', boot-stompin', war-mongerin' stuff was just to try and fit in as a made-up good ole boy.

And Jimmy Carter, an actual Southerner, and military service-member, is remembered for the military under his guidance not firing a single shot in anger during his administration.

There will be exceptions to such assertions, of course. But I acknowledge the fact that when I was in the Army, the most, hyperaggressive, eager-to-fight, easily offended guys all seemed to come from the rural South.

[joeybee12]

6. Don't remind me!

The stain on my home state is immeasurable!

[davenelson5555]

7. You are correct, sir.

When Dubya ran/lost for Congress, the Democrats beat him with the portrayal of being nothing but a carpet-bagger from CT (in his words, he was out-Texas-ed).

This article cites Southern Pride as the motivation. Is "Southern Pride" really code for "Geographically-infused Insecurities"? Does this amount to enduring generational bitterness over the South's defeat in the Civil War? What else can explain it?

[Stallion]

3. Just Vote for a Texan and You Guarantee a War-We are 3 for 3

and I'm a 6th Generation Texan

Ted Cruz for President