The Hawk and the Dove

The Hawk and the Dove: Paul Nitze, George Kennan, and the History of the Cold War by Nicholas Thompson. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2009. 403 p., $27.50.

My interest in this book came from a number of angles. Paul Nitze is my graduate school's namesake, George Kennan is my diplomatic icon, and the Cold War and its remnants continues to be a key component of the transatlantic relationship. So for me, this book had it all.

And indeed, the author strikes an excellent balance in both his writing style and subject matter. From their early years in established families to their divergent career paths, Thompson examines both the personal lives and professional work of these two great thinkers. Nitze's attention to detail and obsession with the efficacy of all types of bombs is highlighted along with his flamboyant outgoing personality. Kennan's masterful analysis of Russia from the very onset of the Cold War and his subsequent policy recommendations are aptly highlighted while also providing important insights into his personal brooding.

The two great public servants frequently disagreed with each other but remained remarkably close personally. Such camaraderie seems antiquated today but is a healthy reminder that opinions on policy need not pervade personal relationships. To the end of their lives, Nitze and Kennan maintained the ability to respectfully disagree on many issues while still seeming to agree on the questions that mattered the most. Indeed, one of the most remarkable things about both of these men is how their professional lives truly spanned the full breadth of the greatest political events of our time, from World War II through the Iraq War.

The title strains somewhat to create a black and white distinction between the perspectives of Nitze and Kennan (the hawk and dove respectively). As is the case with most great thinkers, there were continually strains of grey, uncertainty, and ambivalence for both men concerning the use of force and the efficacy of war. It is indeed striking for example that Nitze never advocated the use of nuclear weapons when it came down to it, for example in the Cuban Missile Crisis. And Kennan frequently articulated that war was needed...when it was truly needed. I appreciated the nuance of the narrative, despite the attempt at a catching title and introduction.

For my generation, it is all too easy to forget that nuclear weapons continue to exist and play a major role in international affairs. And it will be important to have great thinkers and leaders like Kennan and Nitze who can structure the debate and provide leadership as we continue to tackle this and other important issues in the international arena. This book was  great reminder of how I personally aspire to serve in this manner.