author
J. Malcolm (John Malcolm) Smith
1921–2003
Known for writing about the American presidency in times of emergency, this political scientist explored how executive power works under pressure. His work remains of interest to readers curious about constitutional power, national security, and the limits of presidential authority.
1 Audiobook
Powers of the President during crises
by J. Malcolm (John Malcolm) Smith, Cornelius P. Cotter
About the author
A Canadian-born American political scientist, J. Malcolm Smith taught at California State University, Hayward, and was remembered as a distinguished professor with a lifelong passion for politics. He died on April 26, 2003, at age 82.
Smith is best known for books on presidential power and constitutional government, including Powers of the President During Crises and, with Stephen Jurika Jr., The President and National Security. His writing focused on the presidency, emergency authority, and the commander-in-chief role.
The available sources on his life are fairly limited, but they consistently point to a scholar deeply engaged with questions of executive leadership and public affairs. For listeners interested in American government, his work offers a thoughtful window into how political power is tested in moments of crisis.