JFK: Foreign Policy

The Cards Kennedy’s Been Dealt: How will he play

them?

Key Players

Bobby Kennedy, Attorney General

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS THE HEAD

OF THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

Robert McNamara, Secretary of Defense

Dean Rusk, Secretary of State

THE STATE DEPARTMENT DEALS

WITH INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Key Policies

Ike’s Toolbox

Ike’s ToolboxHAMMERS = NUKES

JFK’s Toolbox

JFK’s Toolbox

HAMMER (NUKES) STILL HERE

…AND OTHER CONVENTIONAL TOOLS (WEAPONS) AS WELL

Flexible response: Kennedy’s plan to expand US military options, continuing to build nuclear capabilities and also strengthening conventional

weapons.

Green Berets—special military units to assist with combating Communism

Alliance for Progress: a program to expand economic aid to Latin America, offering billions in aid in exchange for democratic and

capitalist reforms

Peace Corps—volunteers to assist in developing countries.

THE CHALLENGES