Dean Rusk: Defending the American Mission Abroad (Biographies in American Foreign Policy) Paperback – October 1, 1999 by Thomas W. Zeiler 

 

Dean Rusk compared his position as secretary of state in the 1960s to a soldier in a foxhole, defending America against the communist alliance. Author Thomas W. Zeiler writes that the foxhole really represented the universalist ideals Rusk cherished, beliefs that were overrun by the Cold War, by the realism of the two presidents he served, and ultimately by the Vietnam War.

With an eye closely on Rusk's liberal internationalism, Dean Rusk uses the secretary of state as a foil to explain to students the accomplishments of United States leadership in the world and the pitfalls the nation encountered due to the tensions between realpolitik and liberal ideology. Through the career of Rusk, the book reflects on the uses and abuses of predominant power in diplomacy, and interprets well-known events and issues in the comparative framework of idealism and realism. In explaining Rusk's policies and decisions, it also analyzes the evolving uses and interpretations of Wilsonianism, the major ideology shaping twentieth-century American diplomacy. Dean Rusk follows the course of the Cold War, the defining international conflict of the last 50 years.

 

7.24

Most books in our shop are vintage, unread items that may have signs of shelf wear, etc. Please view products photos prior to purchasing as every item has photos of item exactly as they are. We will not accept returns based on condition because the photos show the items as they are. If you have questions or would like more product photos, please message us prior to purchase, we are happy to assist. Thanks for checking us out!