Kennedy's quest for victory : American foreign policy, 1961-1963 / edited by Thomas G. Paterson.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Paterson, Thomas G., 1941-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963.

Kennedy, John F.

United States--Foreign relations--1961-1963.

United States.

International relations.

Physical Description:

xv, 407 pages ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

New York : Oxford University Press, 1989.

Summary:

The first major reassessment of John F. Kennedy's foreign policy since his death, this volume of original essays compels new thinking about the 1960s. Basing their analysis on extensive research in archival documents and oral histories, the authors -- all accomplished historians -- explore the primary assumptions and objectives of Kennedy and his advisers. They examine the influence of the Cold War, global crisis, domestic politics, decision-making, personality and style, and historical lessons in shaping Kennedy's diplomacy, and explain Kennedy's legacy.

This provocative volume explores such key issues as the Atlantic alliance, nuclear arms, United States economic hegemony, the Cuban missile crisis and the covert war against Fidel Castro, Third World neutralism, the Peace Corps, Vietnam War, and relations with specific nations and regions.

These essays challenge us to reckon with a past that has not always matched the selfless and self-satisfying image Americans have of their foreign policy and of Kennedy as their young, fallen hero who never had a chance to fulfill his goals. Identifying arrogance, ignorance, impatience, and exaggerations of the Communist threat as factors that denied Kennedy the victories he craved in the Cold War and the Third World, this study reveals that he had his chance -- and he failed.

Contents:

Introduction : John F. Kennedy's quest for victory and the global crisis / Thomas G. Paterson

The "new Atlantic community" / Frank Costigliola

Defending hegemony / William S. Borden

When push came to shove / J.L. Granatstein

Controlling revolutions / Stephen G. Rabe

Fixation with Cuba / Thomas G. Paterson

From even-handed to empty-handed / Douglas Little

Clinging to containment / James Fetzer

Choosing sides in south Asia / The failed search for victory / Lawrence J. Bassett and Stephen E. Pelz

New frontiers and old priorities / Thomas J. Noer

Passing the torch and lighting fires / Gary May.

Notes:

Includes index.

Bibliography: pages 384-394.

ISBN:

0195045858

019504584X

OCLC:

18291766