Notes

The document provides an overview of the National Security Council (NSC) systems and processes implemented by various US presidents, starting with President George H. W. Bush and ending with President Joe Biden. It highlights the key features and evolution of each administration's NSC system, as well as the challenges and successes they faced.

1. President George H. W. Bush established a White House-centered NSC system with a three-tiered formal interagency policy process. The system relied on the NSC staff and the coordination of the national security adviser. Working groups, chaired by assistant secretaries, formulated policy options and supervised implementation.

2. President Bill Clinton adopted a similar NSC model but expanded the circle of PC members to include additional officials. Clinton's personal style and inexperience initially posed challenges, but the system improved over time with better coordination and structure.

3. President George W. Bush continued his father's three-tiered NSC system but faced policy differences among his advisers. National security adviser Condoleezza Rice's management of the NSC system was criticized, and the president's engagement varied, leading to a less effective process.

4. President Barack Obama also adopted the Bush-Scowcroft NSC model but integrated a wider array of agencies and issues. His first national security adviser, James Jones, was ineffective, but his successor, Thomas Donilon, improved the process. Obama's engagement and Donilon's management led to better decision-making.

5. President Donald Trump's administration disregarded the established NSC system, favoring an unstructured and undisciplined approach. The lack of effective structure and process, along with personnel issues, hindered foreign policy decision-making. The president's disinterest in advice and preference for personal relationships further undermined the NSC system.

6. President Joe Biden sought to rebuild and reinvigorate the NSC system, adopting a White House-centered, three-tiered structure. The NSC staff was expanded, and directorates were added to address key foreign policy challenges. Biden's engagement and attention to details contributed to a more effective process.

In summary, the document highlights the importance of an organized and structured NSC system in facilitating effective foreign policy decision-making, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by personal styles, policy differences, and personnel issues.