Title Images of inherited war : three American presidents in Vietnam / William R. Hersch, Lt. Colonel, USAF

Published Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama : Air University Press, Air Force Research Institute, 2014

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Description 1 online resource (xiii, 185 pages) Series Drew paper ; no. 13 Drew paper ; no. 13. 1941-3785 Contents Introduction. -- From quarks to cognition: an overview of image theory. -- Kennedy: "containment" from Camelot to Cam Ranh Bay. -- From Texas to Tet: Johnson's posse of lies. -- From San Clemente to Saigon: Nixon's five o'clock shadow. -- Conclusions. -- Abbreviations. -- Bibliography Summary This study examines how cognitive forces shape grand wartime strategy across successive presidential administrations. By analyzing Vietnam through the lens of image and cognitive theory, the author attempts to answer the question, How did presidential image affect agendas and outcomes during the Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon administrations? Specifically, the author examines the presidencies of Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon through key decision points and policy shifts during the Vietnam War in an effort to unveil the substantial cognitive forces with which presidents must contend, and often counter, when they inherit war. It is the author's hope that revealing the confluence of images, agendas, and outcomes during the Vietnam War will make current and future decision makers more aware of the impact that cognitive forces have in shaping war's trajectory. Moreover, he hopes that by examining Vietnam through the lens of presidential image, a broader conceptualization of 'war as inheritance' will emerge. Ultimately, this study may help minimize current and future cognitive pitfalls in the development and execution of grand strategy, particularly when policy makers face the daunting challenge of inherited war. It also establishes the foundation for a larger project that not only examines Vietnam more broadly but also analyzes how image and inheritance influenced grand strategy in Afghanistan Notes "Published by Air University Press in February 2014"--Page ii Air University School of Advanced Air and Space Studies Bibliography Includes bibliographical references Subject Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963 -- Public opinion Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines), 1908-1973 -- Public opinion Nixon, Richard M. (Richard Milhous), 1913-1994 -- Public opinion SUBJECT Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines), 1908-1973. fast (OCoLC)fst00048810 Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963. fast (OCoLC)fst00035588 Nixon, Richard M. (Richard Milhous), 1913-1994. fast (OCoLC)fst00031384 Subject Vietnam War, 1961-1975 -- Public opinion Vietnam War, 1961-1975 -- United States. Political culture -- United States -- History -- 20th century Public opinion -- United States -- History -- 20th century Political culture. Public opinion. United States. Genre/Form History. Form Electronic book Author Air University (U.S.). Press, publisher. Air University (U.S.). School of Advanced Air and Space Studies.

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