What did George Kennan mean by “containment”? Why did he think it would be a successful strategy?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Containment
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George Kennan, an American diplomat and scholar, introduced the concept of "containment" as a strategy to deal with the expansionist ambitions of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. He outlined his views in his famous "long telegram" in 1946 and later expanded on them in an article titled "The Sources of Soviet Conduct."
Kennan argued that containment involved taking measures to prevent the spread of Soviet influence and communism, without provoking a direct confrontation. He believed that the Soviet Union, driven by its ideological agenda, sought to expand its power and influence globally. Hence, he proposed that the United States should adopt a policy of containment to counter Soviet expansionism.
Kennan believed that containment would be a successful strategy for several reasons:
1. Realism and Patience: Kennan emphasized the importance of a patient and realistic approach to dealing with the Soviet Union. He argued that containing the Soviets would require a long-term strategy that combined military, economic, and political measures.
2. Political and Psychological Pressure: Kennan believed that the United States should apply political and psychological pressure on the Soviets to undermine their ambitions. By maintaining a strong military presence and alliances, supporting pro-Western governments, and promoting democratic values, the US could weaken Soviet influence and appeal.
3. Economic and Technological Superiority: According to Kennan, the US was ahead of the Soviet Union in terms of economic and technological capabilities. By exploiting its advantages, maintaining a robust economy, and promoting technological advancements, the US could outlast the Soviet Union in the long run.
4. Internal Contradictions: Kennan also argued that the Soviet regime faced internal contradictions that could eventually lead to its downfall. By containing the Soviet Union and avoiding direct confrontation, the US could exacerbate those contradictions and undermine the Soviet system from within.
5. Moral and Ideological Stand: Kennan believed that the United States represented a moral and ideological alternative to Soviet communism. By successfully implementing containment, the US could demonstrate the superiority of democratic values, attract allies, and weaken the appeal of communism.
Overall, Kennan believed that containment would be a successful strategy because it combined a realistic assessment of Soviet intentions and capabilities with a patient, multifaceted approach aimed at countering Soviet expansionism without triggering a direct military conflict. This strategy ultimately shaped US foreign policy during the Cold War and influenced American-Soviet relations for decades.