Containment refers to policy and strategy founded by George Kennan and used by America during the Cold War, which aimed at restricting the advancement of communism. Kennan proposed the use of the military, diplomatic, and economic actions as a means of effecting the containment policy. Overall, this paper analyzes who, where, what, when and why significant of the containment strategy.
Who
The long telegram by Kennan targeted the U.S as Kennan who was serving, as the American envoy in Moscow directed it to the American embassy. The telegram purposed to advise the American administration on the best possible way to deal with the spread of communism in the world . The Soviet Union was the subject matter of the telegram, and the containment policy aimed at stemming the influence of the Soviet Union in the world.
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Where
The long telegram explained was from Moscow, and communicated the best approach to contain the spread of communism in countries bordering the Soviet Union such as Turkey. Ideally, the economic aid targeted countries that faced the risk of falling to the influence of communism, which prompted America to develop effective approaches to contain the situation .
What
Kennan’s containment policy mainly addressed itself on the issue of communism, and its spread to the rest of the world. The telegram sought to contain the spread and influence of communism to countries that neighbored the Soviet Union . Communism had posed a threat to America who held on to capitalism.
When
The telegram from Kennan was sent after World War II as the former Allies America and U.S.S.R turned to foes with each trying to exert its influence over the other. America was advancing capitalism while the Soviet Union favored socialism . The telegram defined the America’s approach to the Cold War for over two decades and the effects live to this day.
Why
Kennan felt America needed to adopt a more radical approach as stipulated under the policy of containment to tame the spread of communism. Kennan had realized that the Soviet Union had resolved to advance communism at all costs, and America’s soft approach to the matter was not going to yield the expected results . In general, Kennan wanted America to employ actionable plans to stem communism and send a strong message to the Soviet Union.
