The National Security: Its Theory and Practice, 1945-1960 - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195039866 ISBN 13: 9780195039863

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1986

Synopsis

Based on a conference at West Point, this volume explores the national security policies developed by the Truman and Eisenhower administrations in response to the threat of Soviet expansionism. More pointed and analytic than any other book on the subject, it shows clearly that the makers of Cold War policy were motivated by fear. It also examines the nature of U.S. security policy and points to the growing gap between the ends and the means of global security policy--to protect Western democracy from the "Red Menace" by using a nuclear strategy with limited applications. The contributors, including David Alan Rosenberg, Lloyd C. Gardner, Martin J. Sherwin and Gary W. Reichard, explore such issues as how dependence on nuclear weapons became the central doctrine of American foreign policy, the bureaucratic and political context of U.S. security, Eisenhower's ongoing disputes with Army and Navy leaders over the security issue, the objections of Democrats to the evolving security strategy, and the limits of Cold War policy, particularly how the viewing of the Third World through a U.S.-Soviet prism impeded the U.S. from developing a truly global security policy. Written in an accessible, journalistic style, The National Security makes available a wealth of information on the Cold War period and offers insights into fears that dominate political thinking to this day.

About this title

About the Author:

Norman A. Graebner is a Professor of History and Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

Review:

"A brilliant volume....Highly recommended for experts and novices alike."--Virginia Quarterly Review

"An excellent collection of essays....Highly recommended both for historical interest and to show how the unremembered past affects contemporary political thought and action."--Choice

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0195039866
• ISBN 13: 9780195039863
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 328
• Editor: Graebner Norman A.