The Policy of BRINKMANSHIP

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The Policy ofBRINKMANSHIP
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You have to take chances for peace, just as you
must take chances in war. If you are scared to
go to the brink, you are lost.

• John Foster Dulles, Secretary of State

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Definition

• The practice, especially in international
  politics, of seeking advantage by creating the
  impression that one is willing and able to push a
  highly dangerous situation to the limit rather
  than concede

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Behind BRINKMANSHIP

• Dulles hated to compromise
• Dulles was VERY anti-communist

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Brinkmanship as a Policy

• Based on a threat of massive retaliation
• Kept peace by promising to use all its force,
  including Nukes.
• Going to the brink, or edge of war

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Effects of Brinkmanship

• US increased air force
• Massive production of Nuclear Weapons
• Began the arms race when the USSR answered
• Caused large fear of Communist attack for the
  next 30 years

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Stop
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Eisenhower Doctrine - 1957

• US would defend the Middle East against attack by
  any communist country.
• Congress approved it
• Gave president authority at his discretion to use
  American forces to protect Middle East.

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Effects of Eisenhower Doctrine

• April 1957 - help was given to King Hussein who
  was under threat from left-wing groups in Jordan.
• 1958 - 10,000 marines went to the Lebanon to
  protect President Camille Chamoun from Muslim
  extremists.
• Created a great deal of anti-Americanism in the
  Middle East
• 1959 decided that Eisenhower Doctrine should be
  brought to an end.