The Foreign Service Journal, February 2004

To avoid such pitfalls, Kennan called for the creation of a perma- nent, non-political advisory body to assist the president and the legisla- tive and executive branches in the formulation of national security and foreign policy. Such a body, which he called “the Council of Questions of Public Policy,” would permit the “tapping of the greatest sources of wisdom and experience that the pri- vate citizenry of the country can provide.” Needless to say, his proposal was poorly received in academic circles and derided by most government offi- cials. To confirm the wisdom of his basic approach, how- ever, a succession of presidents have turned to ad hoc councils of wise men during periods of high national cri- sis, most notably during the 1963 Cuban Missile Crisis and the final stages of the Vietnam War. Whatever the skepticism his policy recommendations elicited, honors continued to be bestowed on the ambassador for his contri- butions in the realm of academic history. He was the recipient of the Pulitzer and Bancroft Prizes for History, a National Book Award, and special recognition for his contributions to literature. A man of integrity and intellec- tual rigor, George Kennan holds himself to a higher standard than most diplomats and academic specialists. He pro- foundly understands Russian society and the Russian people, as he does American culture and its historical roots. Ultimately, he has seen his role as that of a cau- tionary advocate for policies that will endure over the long term. His admonitions will undoubtedly stand the test of time.  F O C U S 42 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 4 George Kennan holds himself to a higher standard than most diplomats and academic specialists. N O W A V A I L A B L E F R O M A F S A … The most informative book on the Foreign Service. Inside a U.S. Embassy: How the Foreign Service Works for America is a must-read for anyone who wants to know about the people who work in American embassies and consulates around the world. Share in the real-life experiences of the Foreign Service: the coups, the evacuations, the heroics, the hardships and the everyday challenges and rewards of representing America to the world. Order your copy today! Go to www.afsa.org/inside or call (847) 364-1222 to place an order by phone.