George F. Kennan's Strategic Thought: The Making of an American Political Realist
By (Author) Richard Russell
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Praeger Publishers Inc
30th April 1999
United States
Tertiary Education
Non Fiction
Political science and theory
International relations
History of ideas
320.01092
Hardback
208
George F. Kennan's strategic thought was instrumental in the formulation of the American grand strategy of containment of the Soviet Union. As Dr. Russell points out, Kennan's strategic thought was forged in the diplomatic practice and scholarship of the time. Russell looks beyond containment, however, to sift through Kennan's work to illuminate the worldview that informed his analysis of international relations and American foreign policy. Kennan's realist worldview contained principles for governing American diplomacy and the use of force to achieve national interests within the bounds set by the international competition for power between nation-states. Kennan's worldview illuminates the continuities of international politics that are often overlooked because of the massive changes in the post-Cold War world. Ironically, Kennan's worldview continues to provide a theoretical footing for guiding American foreign policy after containment. This is an important study for scholars, policymakers, and concerned citizens interested in international relations, American foreign policy, diplomatic history, and strategic studies.
"Richard Russell has written a brilliant analysis of George F. Kennan's strategic thought....The book is documented with exquisite care. Because Russell is altogether familiar with both Kennan and the realist tradition, he is admirably qualified for such a work. The book will be read for years to come because it eschews meaningless doctrinal differences and controversies surrounding Kennan's policies and ideas. Whatever Kennan's frailties, Russell deals with the essentials of what Kennan sees as his mission and philosophy of international realities. No one else has been as explicit in this task and none competes with Russell in analyzing Kennan's strategic thought."-Kenneth W. Thompson J. Wilson Newman Professor of Government and Foreign Affairs and Director, Miller Center of Public Affairs University of Virginia
.,."Richard Russell's new book...is so profoundly important, even to those who felt that they knew Kennan. Russell's superb research and crisp style bring out the essence of Kennan's philosophies at a time when they are particularly needed by strategists and foreign policy officials around the world....This book is ot only important for all students and practitioners of strategic affairs in the U.S., it is equally vital to those in all other countries."-Defense & Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy, 5-6 1999
...Richard Russell's new book...is so profoundly important, even to those who felt that they knew Kennan. Russell's superb research and crisp style bring out the essence of Kennan's philosophies at a time when they are particularly needed by strategists and foreign policy officials around the world....This book is ot only important for all students and practitioners of strategic affairs in the U.S., it is equally vital to those in all other countries.-Defense & Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy, 5-6 1999
Historians will benefit greatly from the cogent and highly readable volume, which skillfully blends extensive quotations from Kennan's voluminous writings with learned analysis....this volume is a "must read" for all scholars looking for a comprehensive account of Kennan's strategic thinking, and they can ignore it only at great risk.-The Historian Book Review
"Historians will benefit greatly from the cogent and highly readable volume, which skillfully blends extensive quotations from Kennan's voluminous writings with learned analysis....this volume is a "must read" for all scholars looking for a comprehensive account of Kennan's strategic thinking, and they can ignore it only at great risk."-The Historian Book Review
..."Richard Russell's new book...is so profoundly important, even to those who felt that they knew Kennan. Russell's superb research and crisp style bring out the essence of Kennan's philosophies at a time when they are particularly needed by strategists and foreign policy officials around the world....This book is ot only important for all students and practitioners of strategic affairs in the U.S., it is equally vital to those in all other countries."-Defense & Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy, 5-6 1999
RICHARD L. RUSSELL is a lecturer on American national security policy at the Washington Center of the University of California, Berkeley./e He is a member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies.