I think the problem with both Posen and Kennedy is that in the first case, he presumes a sense of continuity that will not exist for long in any society and not long at all in a democratic one due to the changes elections bring. The second case, Kennedy's solution, is as you say, mixing, commingling, conflating or otherwise confusing two sets of actions which probably should be viewed separately. I think it's safe to say he adds no clarity to my question.

Looking forward to the conference report...