jul 31, 1947 - "Sources of Soviet Conduct" -- George Kennan

Description:

Hugely influential document written by foreign service officer George Kennan. Illustrates American suspicion of Soviet aspirations and is the roots of the ideological lens of the Cold War. Uses fairly racist rhetoric -- portraying Russias as "dark Asiatic place" in comparison to Western rationality and conflates USSR with Russia. Appeals to history for ideology while claiming to be beyond ideology. Exemplifies the "higher authority" of America as exceptionalist.