The Cuban Missile Crisis Revisited

Why It Matters Who Blinked 

The Cuban Missile crisis has been studied over and over again. It gave us a view of how political leaders acted in times of crucial situations. James Nathan argues that how Pres. Kennedy handled the Cuban missile crisis is how our current international leaders should handle Iran and North Korea. The real story of the Cuban missile crisis was kept from the public. The concessions that the U.S had made were kept secret to avoid any sign of weakness of the Kennedy administration. Both Graham Allison and Nathan agreed that threats can be useful in negotiations but it can also undermine policies. Nathan also points out that aside from using threats, compromises should also be made to prevent a worse outcome scenario. It is worth remembering what Allison said when U.S Speaker of the House Tip O’Neil said that “All politics is local.” Pres. Kennedy’s decisions were also determined by how the US public would perceive him. Allison considers that the Cuban missile crisis was resolved by the combination the firmness and resolve of Pres. Kennedy, the use of threats, compromises and restraints.

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/138175/james-a-nathan-and-graham-allison/the-cuban-missile-crisis-revisited

by Albert Aguirre