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The Inside Story of the National Security Council and the Architects of America's Foreign Policy

Colin Richardson

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Published in Running The World: The Inside Story Of The National Security Council And The Architects Of American Power

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The National Security Council (NSC) is a key advisory body to the President of the United States on matters of national security and foreign policy. It is composed of the President, the Vice President, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Director of National Intelligence, and the National Security Advisor. The NSC provides advice to the President on a wide range of issues, including military operations, intelligence gathering, and diplomatic initiatives.

The NSC was created by the National Security Act of 1947 in response to the perceived need for a more coordinated approach to national security policy. Prior to the establishment of the NSC, there was no single body that was responsible for advising the President on matters of national security. This led to a lack of coordination and often resulted in conflicting advice being given to the President.

Running the World: The Inside Story of the National Security Council and the Architects of American Power

by Sven-Felix Kellerhoff

4.5 out of 5

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The NSC has played a major role in shaping American foreign policy since its inception. It has been involved in some of the most important decisions in American history, including the decision to go to war in Vietnam and the decision to invade Iraq.

The NSC is not without its critics. Some have argued that it is too secretive and that it gives too much power to the President. Others have argued that it is not effective enough and that it does not provide the President with the best possible advice.

Despite the criticisms, the NSC remains a key part of the American national security apparatus. It is the body that is responsible for advising the President on the most important issues facing the United States. The decisions that are made by the NSC have a profound impact on the lives of Americans and people around the world.

The Architects of America's Foreign Policy

The NSC is made up of some of the most powerful people in the United States government. These individuals play a key role in shaping American foreign policy. Here are some of the most influential NSC members in history:

Henry Kissinger: Kissinger served as National Security Advisor under Presidents Nixon and Ford. He was one of the most influential foreign policy advisors in American history. Kissinger played a key role in shaping American policy towards the Soviet Union, China, and the Middle East.
Zbigniew Brzezinski: Brzezinski served as National Security Advisor under President Carter. He was a leading advocate of a tough stance against the Soviet Union. Brzezinski played a key role in the development of the Carter Doctrine, which pledged American support for any country that was threatened by Soviet aggression.
Brent Scowcroft: Scowcroft served as National Security Advisor under Presidents Bush and Ford. He was a leading advocate for a more pragmatic approach to foreign policy. Scowcroft played a key role in the development of the Bush Doctrine, which called for the use of preemptive military action against potential threats to the United States.
Condoleezza Rice: Rice served as National Security Advisor under President Bush. She was the first woman to hold the position. Rice played a key role in the development of the Bush administration's foreign policy, which was based on the concept of preemptive war.
Susan Rice: Rice served as National Security Advisor under President Obama. She was the first African American woman to hold the position. Rice played a key role in the development of the Obama administration's foreign policy, which was based on the concept of multilateralism.

These are just a few of the many influential NSC members who have helped to shape American foreign policy. The NSC is a powerful body that plays a key role in the United States government. The decisions that are made by the NSC have a profound impact on the lives of Americans and people around the world.

Running the World: The Inside Story of the National Security Council and the Architects of American Power

by Sven-Felix Kellerhoff

4.5 out of 5