The Hawk and the Dove

Paul Nitze, George Kennan, and the History of the Cold War

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, Arms Control, History, Modern, 20th Century, Biography & Memoir, Political
Cover of the book The Hawk and the Dove by Nicholas Thompson, Henry Holt and Co.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Nicholas Thompson ISBN: 9781429940504
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. Publication: September 15, 2009
Imprint: Henry Holt and Co. Language: English
Author: Nicholas Thompson
ISBN: 9781429940504
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Publication: September 15, 2009
Imprint: Henry Holt and Co.
Language: English

A brilliant and revealing biography of the two most important Americans during the Cold War era—written by the grandson of one of them

Only two Americans held positions of great influence throughout the Cold War; ironically, they were the chief advocates for the opposing strategies for winning—and surviving—that harrowing conflict. Both men came to power during World War II, reached their professional peaks during the Cold War's most frightening moments, and fought epic political battles that spanned decades. Yet despite their very different views, Paul Nitze and George Kennan dined together, attended the weddings of each other's children, and remained good friends all their lives.

In this masterly double biography, Nicholas Thompson brings Nitze and Kennan to vivid life. Nitze—the hawk—was a consummate insider who believed that the best way to avoid a nuclear clash was to prepare to win one. More than any other American, he was responsible for the arms race. Kennan—the dove—was a diplomat turned academic whose famous "X article" persuasively argued that we should contain the Soviet Union while waiting for it to collapse from within. For forty years, he exercised more influence on foreign affairs than any other private citizen.

As he weaves a fascinating narrative that follows these two rivals and friends from the beginning of the Cold War to its end, Thompson accomplishes something remarkable: he tells the story of our nation during the most dangerous half century in history.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A brilliant and revealing biography of the two most important Americans during the Cold War era—written by the grandson of one of them

Only two Americans held positions of great influence throughout the Cold War; ironically, they were the chief advocates for the opposing strategies for winning—and surviving—that harrowing conflict. Both men came to power during World War II, reached their professional peaks during the Cold War's most frightening moments, and fought epic political battles that spanned decades. Yet despite their very different views, Paul Nitze and George Kennan dined together, attended the weddings of each other's children, and remained good friends all their lives.

In this masterly double biography, Nicholas Thompson brings Nitze and Kennan to vivid life. Nitze—the hawk—was a consummate insider who believed that the best way to avoid a nuclear clash was to prepare to win one. More than any other American, he was responsible for the arms race. Kennan—the dove—was a diplomat turned academic whose famous "X article" persuasively argued that we should contain the Soviet Union while waiting for it to collapse from within. For forty years, he exercised more influence on foreign affairs than any other private citizen.

As he weaves a fascinating narrative that follows these two rivals and friends from the beginning of the Cold War to its end, Thompson accomplishes something remarkable: he tells the story of our nation during the most dangerous half century in history.

More books from Henry Holt and Co.

Cover of the book Archaeology from Space by Nicholas Thompson
Cover of the book The Fabulous Sylvester by Nicholas Thompson
Cover of the book The Second Base Club by Nicholas Thompson
Cover of the book Plague by Nicholas Thompson
Cover of the book The Adirondacks by Nicholas Thompson
Cover of the book Rising from the Rails by Nicholas Thompson
Cover of the book Daddies Are Awesome by Nicholas Thompson
Cover of the book The Secret Life of the Lonely Doll by Nicholas Thompson
Cover of the book A Squirrelly Situation: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet by Nicholas Thompson
Cover of the book The Great Dissent by Nicholas Thompson
Cover of the book The Great Death by Nicholas Thompson
Cover of the book George H. W. Bush by Nicholas Thompson
Cover of the book How Do You Say? / ¿Cómo Se Dice? by Nicholas Thompson
Cover of the book Invisible Men by Nicholas Thompson
Cover of the book Another Night at the Museum by Nicholas Thompson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy