George Kennan author of the containment policy who for almost a half century was an architect of and commentator on US foreign policy provided a succinct statement on US approach to the world in 1948 As head of the Policy Planning Staff of the State Department Kennan wrote in a now f ID: 678862
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "Memo PPS23 by George Kennan" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Slide1
Memo PPS23 by George Kennan
George Kennan (author of the containment policy), who for almost a half
century
was an
architect of and commentator on US foreign policy, provided a succinct statement [on US approach to the world] in 1948. As head of the Policy Planning Staff of the State Department, Kennan wrote in a now famous memorandum:
“
We have about 50% of the world’s wealth but only 6.3% of its population. In this situation, we cannot fail to be the object of envy and resentment. Our real test in the coming period is to devise a pattern of relationships which will permit us to maintain this position of disparity (i.e. maintain hegemony – top world power). We need
not deceive
ourselves that we can afford …the luxury of altruism and world benefaction – unreal objectives such as human rights, the raising of living standards, and democratization (of other nations).
February 24, 1948