Augustus Owsley Stanley graduated from Centre College in 1889 and pursued a career in education, serving as chair of belles-lettres and principal at various academies. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1894. Stanley transitioned to politics, supporting notable Democratic figures and holding electoral roles. He was appointed to the International Joint Commission by President Herbert Hoover in 1930 and served as its chair until 1954, focusing on peaceful U.S.-Canada relations.

Augustus Owsley Stanley's political career reveals a consistent focus on international diplomacy, particularly in fostering peaceful relations between the U.S. and Canada. His appointment to and leadership of the International Joint Commission highlight a strategic emphasis on conflict avoidance and collaborative governance. Despite lacking detailed records on domestic policy, Stanley's support for William Jennings Bryan and J. C. W. Beckham suggests a Democratic alignment with a penchant for backing progressive candidates. This blend of international focus and domestic support for reformist figures indicates a unique ideological positioning that balances global diplomacy with local political engagement.