From 1930 to 1970 (with the exception of the Eisenhower years), the true architects of American foreign policy were six men who have been virtually forgotten by history: Averell Harriman, Dean Acheson, George Kennan, Chip Bohlen, Bob Lovett, and John McCloy.

These diplomats, bankers, and lawyers exerted a profound influence on FDR, Truman, JFK, and LBJ. They played a crucial role in creating the Marshall Plan, which was vital for the post-war recovery of Europe. They were also actively involved in the Cold War, shaping America's strategies and responses. In addition, they managed the complex situations in Korea and Vietnam.

This book is rather long, and it may not be able to make its central characters as vivid and colorful as the more well-known politicians of that era. However, it is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand how to successfully establish a political legacy that endures long after people have forgotten your name. It provides valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of American foreign policy during a crucial period in history.

What a great book!

The authors offer us a sympathetic, yet frank study of the six men who dominated American foreign policy making from the 1930s through the 1950s.

Dean Acheson, Chip Bohlen, Averell Harriman, George Kennan, Robert Lovett, and John McCloy constituted a foreign policy elite that crossed institutional lines to shape our policy towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War Era.

This is not to say that they always agreed with each other. Indeed, they had some pretty nasty fights. However, there is no denying their impact on America and on the world.

The book is highly readable and provides an abundance of information that I simply did not know.

I am truly glad that I read this book and would wholeheartedly recommend it to all readers.

It offers a fascinating insight into a crucial period of American history and the men who played a significant role in shaping it.

Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about American foreign policy, this book is a must-read.

It will surely expand your knowledge and understanding of this complex and important subject.

So, don't hesitate to pick up a copy and embark on this enlightening journey.

This book was penned in a style frequently adopted by historians when covering the Founding Fathers.

It is incomplete in accounting for events, depicting the entirety of anyone's life, or indeed, any event. The book's 'focus' lies within the subtitle. The authors chose six unrelated men and fabricated a premise of a core group of career advisors and implementers of U.S. foreign policy.

I believe the authors had in their minds an inspiring narrative regarding the Marshal Plan and the individuals who devised and executed the plan.

There is a certain sense of duty, loyalty, and honor being conveyed, and this is somewhat inspiring. Overall, however, there is a tone of futility.

Indeed, when the six friends have departed from the world stage, there is a reference to some of the replacements: Cyrus Vance, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Henry Kissinger. Although the legacies of the successors are not scrutinized, it is hinted that the excellence accomplished by the Six Friends may never be equaled due to the disappearance of the patrician class that gave rise to them.

My significant takeaway pertains to recent U.S. foreign policy and what our role ought to be. The book was written in the early 1980s. The fall of the Soviet Union, the reunification of Germany, the rise of China, the 1990s Balkans conflicts, Afghanistan, and Iraq are yet to occur.

In the present context, the concept of U.S. supremacy abroad appears to be a quaint idea. Comparatively, U.S. dominance was rather brief and fairly localized.

It amazes me how our relations with China and Vietnam are currently stable and peaceful, while relations with Russia, North Korea, and Iran seem unstable and adversarial.

Moreover, the astonishing economic relations the U.S. established with Japan and Germany seem to defy logic. Yes, there were investments and active decisions there, but the degree of success and failure, in my opinion, cannot be accounted for by our foreign policy.

In government, the bureaucrats don't receive as much attention as the elected politicians in the spotlight.

However, they are often just as influential, or even more so, in setting national policy.

This book centers on six foreign policy advisors who arguably had a greater impact on determining the course of the Cold War than any president.

Through a group biography, it offers a great summary of international politics from World War II through Vietnam and reveals how "sausage is made" in foreign policy, especially regarding US-Soviet relations.

The six individuals highlighted (Dean Acheson and George Kennan were the only ones I had previously heard of) can be regarded as the "Establishment."

They mostly attended the same private schools and Ivy Leagues and mingled in East Coast high society.

They seemed to alternate between private life (banking and law) and public service, but were mostly dedicated to public service and promoting global peace/stability and American interests.

It was interesting to observe how US-Soviet foreign relations developed during this period.

Initially tentative allies during World War II, they then adopted a series of strategies - containment, roll-back, and flexible response.

It's quite clear that the start of the Cold War was a response to Soviet expansionism and aggression.

Containment was intended as a means to "contain" their spread of influence without outright hostilities.

This required America to be more proactive in global leadership than it was accustomed to, and the threat was exaggerated into broader anti-Communism to gain public support.

Unfortunately, the nuances were lost, and things escalated into McCarthyism and interventionism, culminating in the disaster of the Vietnam War.

It was interesting to trace the oscillation of the pendulum between hardline hawkish stances towards the Soviet Union and a more 'dovish' focus on relationship-building diplomacy.

Generally, it seemed that this group, along with others in the Establishment, maintained a pragmatic and consistent middle ground.

Peaceful diplomatic solutions should always be pursued, but not at the expense of firmly pushing back on Soviet aggression.

The broader country definitely swung along the pendulum much more erratically.

Dean Acheson was alternately criticized by Joseph McCarthy and Congress for being too soft on Communism and allowing China to "slip away" (to be fair, they were much more focused on Europe than Asia), and was also criticized by liberals for being too hawkish and warmongering in Korea and Vietnam.

The six people here moved between important government positions (ambassadors, cabinet secretaries, etc.).

Although the height of their power was during the Truman era, they were regularly consulted by future presidents through Carter.

They became known as the "Wise Men" during Vietnam, being called in by LBJ to offer advice.

At first, their advice was used as a blanket endorsement for US escalation and bombing, but the advisors always had doubts about the war and began pushing for a settlement much sooner than LBJ/Nixon ultimately did.

Overall, it's a good book. It dragged a bit in the last third, but it's a good primer on Cold War content and on how government policy is shaped and executed.

An interesting read on foreign policy and the U.S. establishment has caught my attention. It presents a unique perspective, although at times it seems to glaze over certain administrations and events. Instead, it focuses intently on its subject matter. This approach left me having to search Google for additional context. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can be quite beneficial as it encourages further exploration and learning. Those who already have a greater understanding of U.S. politics are likely to gain more from this read. They will be able to fill in the gaps and make deeper connections. Overall, it's a thought-provoking piece that offers valuable insights into the complex world of foreign policy and the U.S. establishment.

This item was given to me by Jenny Laws.

She purchased it at Truman's Little White House in Key West.

It is a tale about six men who played a crucial role in formulating foreign policy during the Cold War.

The story provides very insightful perspectives into the complex and tense international relations of that era.

These six men had to make difficult decisions and navigate through a web of political, economic, and military challenges.

Their policies had a significant impact on the course of history and shaped the world we live in today.

By reading this tale, one can gain a better understanding of the Cold War and the forces that were at play.

It serves as a reminder of the importance of careful and thoughtful foreign policy-making in times of great uncertainty and conflict.

WHAT DID THE WISE MEN DO?

The small group of men known as the "Wise Men" brought a unique combination of vision and practicality, aggressiveness and patience to the task of shaping U.S. foreign policy. They came together at a crucial moment in history, when their upbringing, character, and the circumstances of the time fused to give them the power to change the course of events. Their motives and wisdom can be debated, but their impact is undeniable. They made the U.S. assume the responsibility of a world power and defined its global mission. The Marshall Plan remains their greatest achievement, using power for the best possible end.

ORIGIN OF USE OF TERM ‘WISE MEN’

In his memoranda, Bundy began referring to Acheson, McCloy, Lovett, and other old statesmen as “the Wise Men.” The term was not entirely respectful, but it stuck. These men did not adhere to a single ideology; instead, they prized pragmatism, realpolitik, moderation, and consensus. They shared some basic tenets, such as opposition to isolationism and the doctrine of containment.

DIVERSITY OF THOUGHT

The Wise Men had diverse backgrounds and perspectives, but they were united by their commitment to the nation's interests. They did not let ideology cloud their judgment, but instead based their decisions on a realistic assessment of the situation. Their self-confidence gave them the freedom to be creative and bold, and their ability to work together and build consensus was crucial in shaping U.S. foreign policy.

BENEFITS OF PRIVILEGE

The Wise Men came from an elitist background, but they used their privilege to serve the country. They were confident enough to level with the President and offer their honest advice, even if it was not what he wanted to hear. Their education and social connections gave them access to information and resources that others did not have, but they also recognized the importance of having public figures with the confidence to rise above party or the search for celebrity.

CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH

The new recruits to the foreign policy establishment were expected to adopt the values of the old club, regardless of their background. College provided not just an education, but a network of professional and social contacts that would serve them well in their careers. Kennan, for example, appreciated the value of his Princeton diploma and the opportunities it opened up for him.

GEORGE KENNAN

George Kennan was one of the most influential members of the Wise Men. His early experiences, such as his visit to his distinguished relative and his exploration of Russia, shaped his views on the Soviet Union. Kennan was known for his intuitive judgments and his understanding that Communism was not monolithic. His "Long Telegram" had a profound impact on U.S. foreign policy, unifying the thinking of those who advocated firmness against Soviet expansion.

KENNAN’S ‘LONG TELEGRAM’

The Long Telegram was viewed as having two main messages: the need to forcefully oppose Soviet expansion and the importance of forging an alliance with Britain and other Western nations. What made it so influential was not so much what Kennan said, but what Washington was willing to hear. The telegram unified the thinking of those who advocated a tough stance against the Soviet Union and set the stage for the policy of containment.

CONTAINMENT

Kennan gave the new policy of containing Soviet expansion a name: containment. However, the policy was not without its critics. Lippmann attacked the “containment doctrine” as a “strategic monstrosity,” arguing that it would lead to the squandering of U.S. resources and prestige. Kennan himself was mystified that he was unable to get across his argument that the main Soviet threat was political, not military.

CONFRONTING THE RUSSIANS (NOT NECESSARILY WITH MILITARY)

Kennan believed that the U.S. could contain the Russians by confronting them firmly and politely with superior strength at every turn. However, he also recognized the limitations of using military force as a tool of foreign policy, especially in a democracy. He was concerned that the U.S. was too quick to see things in black and white terms and that it was not offering enough constructive alternatives to the Soviets.

DEMOCRACIES SEE CONFLICT AS ‘ON OR OFF’

Kennan argued that democracies are severely restricted in their use of armed forces as a weapon of peacetime foreign policy. They tend to see conflict as an all-or-nothing affair, and once committed to a course of action, they become victims of their own propaganda. This can lead to a distorted view of the enemy and a failure to consider other options.

EVOLVING PERSPECTIVES

The views of the Wise Men on the Soviet Union evolved over time. At first, they were more optimistic about the possibility of working with the Soviets, but as the Cold War intensified, their attitudes hardened. Bohlen and Kennan, in particular, were hostile towards Stalin and his system, seeing it as a threat to U.S. interests. Their views were in stark contrast to those of Roosevelt, Hopkins, and Hull, who had been more inclined to see the Soviet Union as a potential ally.

THE RUSSIANS

The Russians were seen as a complex and mysterious people, with a tendency to carry both truth and falsehood to extremes. Bohlen concluded that it was foolish to base a policy towards the Soviets on anything other than an appeal to their self-interest. The Kremlin was seen as making alliances solely on the basis of transitory needs, rather than true understandings.

RUSSIAN EXPANSION (?)

The question of Russian expansion was a thorny one. Some, like Harriman, believed that the Soviets had expansionist motives and were setting their sights on the next layer of countries. Others, like Kennan, argued that the real threat was not Marxism, but Soviet control. The Soviets were seen as seeking to establish governments amenable to their own influence and authority, rather than spreading socialism.

WHAT THE RUSSIANS REALLY WANTED THROUGH EXPANSION

Kennan was one of the few who recognized that the real threat from Moscow was not the ideology of Marxism, but the desire for more Soviet control. The Kremlin was seen as having no desire to see countries move towards a socialist system except under the guidance of those who recognized Moscow's authority. This understanding was crucial in shaping U.S. policy towards the Soviet Union.

THE TRUMAN DOCTRINE

The Truman Doctrine, which committed the U.S. to supporting free peoples everywhere, was a significant departure from previous U.S. foreign policy. Kennan was appalled by the open-ended commitment and feared that it would lead to the overextension of U.S. power. The doctrine was also criticized by Lippmann, who warned that it violated the balance of resources and commitments. Despite the criticism, the Truman Doctrine became a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War.

THE MARSHALL PLAN

The Marshall Plan was a bold and ambitious attempt to rebuild Europe after World War II. It was open to all countries, including the Soviet Union and its satellites, but the Soviets ultimately chose not to participate. The plan was seen as a great success, helping to revive the economies of Western Europe and strengthen the U.S. alliance with its European partners. Churchill called it the “most unsordid act in history,” and Lovett was proud that it stayed within its original cost estimates and ended when it had served its purpose.

RUSSIAN RESPONSE TO MARSHALL PLAN

The Soviets saw the Marshall Plan as a threat to their security and as a declaration of war by the U.S. for control of Europe. Stalin's reaction was understandable, given Soviet history and the fear of being encircled by capitalist countries. The Soviet Union responded by creating its own economic bloc, the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON), and by tightening its control over its satellites.

EAST/WEST GERMANY SPLIT ENSURED DUE TO CURRENCY REFORM

Currency reform in Germany was a significant event that led to the split between East and West Germany. It signaled the end of any semblance of U.S.-Soviet cooperation in Germany and set the stage for the division of Europe into two competing blocs. The split between East and West Germany would have far-reaching consequences for the rest of the Cold War.

BERLIN AIR LIFT

The Berlin Air Lift was a heroic effort by the U.S. and its allies to keep the city of Berlin alive during the Soviet blockade. It required a massive logistical operation, with planes arriving every few minutes to deliver food, fuel, and other supplies. The air lift was a great success, and it demonstrated the U.S. commitment to the defense of freedom and democracy in Europe.

NSC-68

NSC-68 was a top-secret document that called for a massive military buildup in response to the perceived Soviet threat. Kennan was dead set against the writing of NSC-68, believing that it placed too much emphasis on the enemy's capacity and not enough on his intentions. He argued for a more measured approach that focused on diplomacy and economic aid. However, NSC-68 ultimately prevailed, and it set the stage for the arms race and the military buildup that characterized the Cold War.

FLEXIBLE RESPONSE

The concept of “flexible response” was a new idea that emerged during the Cold War. It called for the U.S. to be able to fight small conventional wars anywhere in the world, rather than relying solely on nuclear weapons. The idea was to provide the U.S. with more options in dealing with the Soviet threat and to avoid the all-or-nothing approach of the past. However, the concept was also criticized for being too broad and for blurring the distinction between vital and peripheral interests.

KOREA

The U.S. decision to intervene in the Korean War was a significant event that had far-reaching consequences. The war was seen as a test of U.S. resolve in the face of Communist aggression, and it led to a massive U.S. military buildup in Asia. Kennan believed that the war was a mistake, arguing that the U.S. should have focused on Europe and left Korea to its own devices. However, the U.S. was determined to stop the spread of Communism, and it committed itself to the defense of South Korea.

VIETNAM

The Vietnam War was a long and costly conflict that had a profound impact on the United States. The war divided the country and led to a significant decline in public support for U.S. foreign policy. The U.S. initially became involved in Vietnam to support the French colonial government, but it soon found itself committed to the defense of South Vietnam against the Communist North. The war dragged on for years, with no end in sight, and it ultimately ended in a humiliating defeat for the United States.

THE LAST DAYS OF THE WISE MEN

The end of the Cold War marked the end of an era for the Wise Men. Their influence had waned, and a new generation of policymakers had taken their place. The dinner they had in 1982 was, in a sense, the last supper for the Wise Men. They had witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the birth and death of ideologies, and the transformation of the world. Their legacy would live on, but their time had passed.

AMERICAN POLICY OPINION MOVES TO THE EXTREMES AFTER VIETNAM

The Vietnam War had a profound impact on American foreign policy, leading to a significant shift in public opinion. The war had divided the country, and in the aftermath, power swung to the extremes. The foreign policy establishment, which had held sway for two decades, was shattered, and a new era of political theater began. The old guard was forced to choose sides between “hawk” and “dove,” and the center no longer held.

FALL OF STATE DEPARTMENT/ RISE OF NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER

The Carter administration marked a significant shift in the balance of power between the State Department and the National Security Adviser. Brzezinski maneuvered to ensure that he, rather than the Secretary of State, was the President's true counsel. This led to a power struggle between the two, which ultimately ended with the resignation of Vance. The rise of the National Security Adviser and the decline of the State Department would have far-reaching consequences for U.S. foreign policy.

THE COGNITIVE ELEMENT

The cognitive element played an important role in shaping U.S. foreign policy decisions. The battle reports from the field commanders had a profound impact on Acheson, for example, convincing him of the suicidal determination of the enemy and the confusion and low morale on the American side. The North Vietnamese, on the other hand, accurately perceived that Tet had been a psychological victory, sapping the will of the American people. These perceptions and misperceptions would have a significant impact on the course of the war.

True statesmen who have served in both Democratic and Republican administrations are truly remarkable.

They bring a wealth of experience and a broader perspective to the table. These individuals are not bound by the constraints of a single political ideology but are able to work across the aisle for the betterment of the nation.

In today's highly polarized political climate, we desperately need people like this in government. They can help bridge the divide and find common ground on important issues.

Such statesmen have the ability to build consensus and promote cooperation, rather than engaging in partisan bickering. Their presence can lead to more effective governance and policies that benefit all Americans.

We should look to these individuals as role models and encourage more people with their qualities to enter public service.

I was born in the late fifties and lived through the Cold War, the Cuba crisis, and the Vietnam War. These events were brought to us via television, and I vividly remember the impact they had on the world.

What I didn't know, and this book made me realize, is that many unknown but very clever and intelligent people played a key role behind the scenes in all major events after WW II. I now understand that these six wise men helped shape the world we live in today.

Were they always right? Of course not. But in their way, they were new thinkers, political and diplomatic entrepreneurs. This book is a great read as it provides insights into the hidden forces that have influenced our world. It makes us realize that there is often more to history than what we see on the surface.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history and international relations. It offers a fresh perspective and challenges our assumptions about the past.

A Portrait of The Establishment

The men in this circle, with estrogen levels almost undetectable, were responsible for defining the international role that America was to play after the second world war. This is a very well-written account, and I imagine it was no easy task to intertwine the biographies of six men. It did take me some time to get a good understanding of the characters. At first, I was a bit disappointed that there was so little mention of the domestic situation of the times. However, I later realized to what extent the US foreign policy makers of the post-war era were unaffected by local politics. The authors clearly admire their subjects, yet they offer a largely objective and impartial analysis. They do an excellent job of examining the evolution of America's cold war foreign policy and vividly描绘 how the Establishment planted the seeds of its own downfall. Overall, this is a work that is worthy of that old cliché on the back cover: "a remarkable achievement."

Deep Dive into the Lives and Cold War Canon of the Secular Saints of the Establishment

"The Wise Men: Six Friends and the World They Made" is an outstanding 4.5-star establishment history penned by two prominent figures of the Washington DC establishment, Walter Isaacson, an academic, Rhodes Scholar, and CEO of the Aspen Institute, and Evan Thomas, a biographer, journalist, and CIA chronicler. Both having attended Harvard, they bring a wealth of knowledge and insider perspectives.

Published in 1986, this work is a unique combination of biography and history. It delves into the lives of six remarkable men: Averell Harriman, Dean Acheson, George Kennan, Robert Lovett, John McCloy, and Charles Bohlen. Simultaneously, it explores the profound impact these individuals had on World War II and post-war history, with a particular focus on Cold War events from 1945 - 1972 and US - Soviet relations from the 1920s through to around 1980. The edition I perused was a 2013 Simon and Schuster paperback.

Despite its hefty main text of over 740 pages, it is an extremely well-written and highly readable book. The inclusion of substantial endnotes, an index, and a bibliography further enhance its value.

If you have an inclination towards Establishment studies and embrace conventional history, you will be enthralled by the glowing, gushing tone, the insider information, the behind-the-scenes insights, and the seamless portrayal of the passing of the establishment baton from figures like Elihu Root to Henry Stimson, to the Six Wise Men, and then to the likes of Cy Vance, Henry Kissinger, and William and McGeorge Bundy (among others).

However, if you are an outsider, like me, with a bit of a conspiracist bent and a healthy distrust of the Establishment's Frankenstein Deep State creations (such as the military - industrial complex, the rogue intelligence community, and the mainstream media complex), all your worst fears and suspicions will be thoroughly confirmed. You will notice the overbearing presence of Chase - Manhattan Bank, Wall Street, the Rockefellers, and the CIA, as well as the consistent willingness of the Six Wise Men to engage in conflict - of - interest practices that would surely raise eyebrows and elicit expletives on popular podcasts today, potentially leading to marathon Congressional investigations that, as is often the case, ultimately lead nowhere.

The significance of this book lies in its revelation of the mindset and social background of the men who established the modern Foreign Policy Establishment and their ongoing pursuit of a Global Order led by the Anglo - American Elites. This alone makes "The Wise Men" an incredibly important book.

As a long - term national security enthusiast, policy wonk, and Big Government careerist with a passion for Cold War history (and conspiracy studies), I thoroughly relished "The Wise Men." However, I hesitate to award this book a full five stars due to some limitations.

- Despite attempts to present a "warts and all" popular history, the authors' own establishment credentials give the book a somewhat hagiographical tone. After all, we are discussing Establishment Saints and Establishment Canon here. Everyone is portrayed as having the best intentions, being honest and wise, and, most importantly, "selfless in service," which can seem rather absurd at times.

- The constant name - dropping and the vast cast of establishment figures chronicled in this book can be quite confusing. Besides the Six Wise Men, dozens of others are introduced to the reader, making it a challenge to keep track.

- The biographies primarily focus on the wealth, schools, social status, friendships, and personalities of the Six, with an emphasis on the shaping forces that propelled them into positions of influence. However, there are noticeable gaps, and one suspects from the tone that much that might reflect unfavorably on the Sainthood of the Six has been conveniently left out.

- You need to have a solid foundation of understanding of post - war history and government structure, including the events leading up to the Korean War and Vietnam War, to fully appreciate the way all the dots are connected. Otherwise, much of the book's middle section may come across as rather dull.

Despite my extensive list of reservations, this remains a great book that has withstood the test of time.

For those who truly渴望了解美国是如何成为今天这个样子的，是谁设定了我们国家命运的GPS，以及那些仍然在幕后运作以塑造美国外交、金融和社会政策的人究竟是怎样的，“The Wise Men”是一个值得寻找答案的地方。

It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Part American WWII history, part Cold War history, part biography, and part discussion of the "Establishment" in mid-20th century America combine to form a well-written account.

Isaacson and Thomas focus on six men who they believe embody the views and actions of foreign affairs from the 1930s-70s. The book, now thirty years old, was written when two of the six men had just died and two others were still living.

Dean Acheson, along with Averell Harriman, is a main character. Acheson was involved in many important decisions and held powerful positions. The authors treat him fairly, pointing out his strengths and flaws.

Harriman comes off as a dedicated public servant and a political opportunist. He had numerous conflicts of interest but still had a lasting impact on American foreign policy.

John McCloy also had conflicts of interest. He was involved in the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, a decision that the authors defend to some extent.

Robert Lovett and McCloy were often lumped together. Lovett preferred to work behind the scenes and became a trusted adviser. He avoided the Vietnam War.

George Kennan, the mind behind the containment doctrine, had a tortured soul. He came to view the Soviet Union differently as he aged.

Chip Bohlen is more of a supporting character. The authors could have explored his detention in Japan further.

Overall, the book is an excellent review of American foreign policy during a crucial period. It is full of personal anecdotes and provides valuable insights into the minds of the key players. Grade: A-