Red Line or Red Light?: Debating U.S. Intervention in Syria.

This paper presents preliminary work on a project that analyzes strategic framing by U.S. elites during debates over policy responses to the Arab Spring. When completed, the goal of this project is to demonstrate a causal link between the way U.S. elites frame a conflict and the ultimate U.S. policy response. I present preliminary work on one case study -- the domestic debate over proposed U.S airstrikes against Syria in fall of 2013. This case demonstrates a framing contest, with the President asserting that U.S. airstrikes against the Assad regime would promote U.S. values and interests; in contrast, a bipartisan coalition of Representatives and Senators were opposed to the airstrikes. I conclude by outlining my plans for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]