Presidential Leadership and the Creation of the American Era: Dr. Joseph Nye Chats with Chowda at the Boston Downtown Harvard Club

Dr. Joseph Nye signing his book,
Presidential Leadership and the Creation of the American Era
Photo by Marash Girl

Yesterday evening, Dr. Joseph Nye chatted brilliantly (and often humorously) with a group of over 100 folks as they chowed down "chowda" (clam, corn or vegetarian)  at Boston's Downtown Harvard Club.

Presenting the ideas he espouses in his most recent book, Presidential Leadership and the Creation of the American Era, Dr. Nye contrasted American presidents such as Wilson and Reagan -- transformational presidents in his view -- with presidents such as Eisenhower and Bush (the father) -- presidents which he labeled transactional. Trying to decide whether a president was transformational or transactional? he asked the audience.  Just ask yourself the question, "If the opponent had won the election, would things have been different?"

Member of audience waits while Dr. Nye autographs  Presidential Leadership and the Creation of the American Era.
Photo by Marash Girl