In this task, you'll consider the Cold War from the perspective of a hardliner and the perspective of a diplomacy advocate. You'll read two sources and consider the point of view of each author. How might the authors' perspectives influence their thinking on how to approach the Soviet Union
...Russian rulers have invariably sensed that their rule was relatively archaic in form, fragile and artificial in its psychological foundation, unable to stand comparison for contact with political systems of Western countries. For this reason, they have always feared foreign penetration, feared direct contact between [the] Western world and their own, feared what would happen if Russians learned [the] truth about [the] world without or if foreigners learned [the] truth about [the] world within. And they have learned to seek security only in patient but deadly struggle for total destruction of rival power, never in compacts and compromises with it.
Soviet power, unlike that of Hitlerite Germany, is neither schematic nor adventuristic. It does not work by fixed plans. It does not take unnecessary risks. Impervious to logic of reason, and it is highly sensitive to logic of force. For this reason, it can easily withdraw—and usually does—when strong resistance is encountered at any point. Thus, if the adversary has sufficient force and makes clear his readiness to use it, he rarely has to do so. If situations are properly handled, there need be no prestige-engaging showdowns. Gauged against [the] Western world as a whole, Soviets are still by far the weaker force. Thus, their success will really depend on degree of cohesion, firmness, and vigor which [the] Western world can muster. And this is [a] factor which it is within our power to influence.
(George Kennan, "The Long Telegram," 1946)
Now think about the contrasting points of view that were expressed in the two excerpts you've read. Use the annotations you've made in each excerpt to help you complete the table.
TIP: Remember, as you fill out each column, you're writing from the perspective of a hardliner or a diplomacy advocate, NOT as yourself. Write the answers you believe they would write them.
PLS HELP
...Russian rulers have invariably sensed that their rule was relatively archaic in form, fragile and artificial in its psychological foundation, unable to stand comparison for contact with political systems of Western countries. For this reason, they have always feared foreign penetration, feared direct contact between [the] Western world and their own, feared what would happen if Russians learned [the] truth about [the] world without or if foreigners learned [the] truth about [the] world within. And they have learned to seek security only in patient but deadly struggle for total destruction of rival power, never in compacts and compromises with it.
Soviet power, unlike that of Hitlerite Germany, is neither schematic nor adventuristic. It does not work by fixed plans. It does not take unnecessary risks. Impervious to logic of reason, and it is highly sensitive to logic of force. For this reason, it can easily withdraw—and usually does—when strong resistance is encountered at any point. Thus, if the adversary has sufficient force and makes clear his readiness to use it, he rarely has to do so. If situations are properly handled, there need be no prestige-engaging showdowns. Gauged against [the] Western world as a whole, Soviets are still by far the weaker force. Thus, their success will really depend on degree of cohesion, firmness, and vigor which [the] Western world can muster. And this is [a] factor which it is within our power to influence.
(George Kennan, "The Long Telegram," 1946)
Now think about the contrasting points of view that were expressed in the two excerpts you've read. Use the annotations you've made in each excerpt to help you complete the table.
TIP: Remember, as you fill out each column, you're writing from the perspective of a hardliner or a diplomacy advocate, NOT as yourself. Write the answers you believe they would write them.
PLS HELP
Answers & Comments
schematic nor adventuristic. It does not work by fixed plans. It does not take unnecessary risks. Impervious to logic of reason, and it is highly sensitive to logic of force. For this reason, it can easily withdraw—and usually does—when strong resistance is encountered at any point. Thus, if the adversary has sufficient force and makes clear his readiness to use it, he rarely has to do so. If situations are properly handled, there need be no prestige-engaging showdowns. Gauged against [the] Western world as a whole, Soviets are still by far the weaker force. Thus, their success will really depend on degree of cohesion, firmness, and vigor which [the] Western world can muster. And this is [a] factor which it is within our power to influence.
(George Kennan, "The Long Telegram," 1946)
Now think about the contrasting points of view that were expressed in the two excerpts you've read. Use the annotations you've made in each excerpt to help you complete the table.
TIP: Remember, as you fill out each column, you're writing from the perspective of a hardliner or a diplomacy advocate, NOT as yourself. Write