Roger Hilsman’s Foreign Policy Model for the US

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Introduction

Foreign policy of a country is the essential component for the sound governance of the country as well as keeping good terms with the nations of the world and let the international transaction with full speed. It is determined by the policymakers of a given country considering the issues of national safety and security. As the countries of the world are getting closer to each other, the matter of developing relations between the states has been a prime consideration for the mutual dealings of the states as well as their respective development.

Undeniably, it is an inevitable means for any country to develop its relations with international community. It is an essential component for enhancing international transactions and ensuring country’s efficient, growing and continuous development. By amassing affluence and extending foreign policy overseas, America emerged as Superpower. The Department of State of the Country deals with foreign issues including global security affairs.

The purpose of the present study is to explore the defects, deficiencies, merits and significance of American foreign policy that was developed by Roger Hilsman, assistant secretary of Kennedy administration during Vietnam War.

By this, the study also intends to concentrate on identifying the effectiveness and viability of the plan of Roger Hilsman regarding American foreign policy that was designed having a special attribute to the Vietnam War. Finally, the study likes to extract the defects and deficiencies of the plan and accordingly recommend some viable prescriptions that may guide as the most effective means and aiding tool for erecting a successful foreign policy to be adopted by America to challenge the critical reality in the changing circumstances of the global political arena.

Foreign Policy

Foreign policy means a collection of national policy agendas reflecting in international arena. The physique of foreign policy manifests the pragmatic aspirations of the people of a particular country. So, foreign policy differs from country to country. Pertinently, the foreign policy of America is prone to more change depending upon the changing global political context. US Foreign policy puts its special attention mainly “in the Middle East, in the developing world, in Europe, in Asia” (Jentleson, 2006, p.359).

The Department of State

The Department of State has been established for protecting US citizens and executing American foreign policy. So, it gives protection to the US citizens living or traveling abroad, proper assistance to US business in foreign (Ranney, 1975, p. 67), diplomatic efforts and official visits paid at home and abroad, makes an interaction keeping the public informed about foreign policy; asking feedback over this and dispatching the same to the administration.

Trend of American Foreign Policy and State Department

Since its independence,America has changed its foreign policy many times. This trend transpires the pragmatism of American policy framers. The foreign policy adopted in different times may be summed up as:

pre cold war period;
cold war period; and
post-cold war period.

Pre Cold War Period

Initially, the Department had to perform some domestic affairs including managing the mint and the patent offices as well as census affairs (US History Encyclopedia). Pre-Cold War Period may again be divided into:

Pre Spanish- American War;
Post Spanish–American War

Before Spanish

History suggests that before cold war, America was aloof from exposing powers. By the mid 19th century, it began to develop foreign relations with Europe. Consequently, several foreign missions were established during 1830-1860. This contact opened a new era for the promotion and development of America. For the rapid growth of trade and commerce, establishment of more foreign consular offices was badly necessitated.

After Spanish Period

The country soon turned into a land of influential economy. Hence, it began to change its policy. Spanish-American war of 1898 gave a paradigm shift message to the world politics as America broke its non-intervention principle. For victory in this war, it was tempted to invade foreign territories. Consequently, America and its State Department took a new outlook in foreign policy. Later on, History has witnessed the role of America in 1st and 2nd world Wars and a complete breakdown of communist authority as well. Thus, America turned into the superpower in new world order (Mills, 1956, p. 12).

Cold War Period

The era of cold war began with the end of Second World War. In this era, concentration was given on:

national security;
national military might;
combating communism; and
preserve US economic interest.

In 1947, to meet the exigencies and keep the hegemony over world politics, the Government of the USA established the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). It was created to undertake covert political conspiracy and secret political missions overseas. Further, in 1961, the Agency for International Development was formed for dealing with foreign aid and development schemes abroad. In 1947, President Truman established the National Security Council (NSC).

“[This body] assisted the President in determining the mid and long term security crises both in domestic and international arena. Some Committees coordinated this body to function effectively.” (Department Of State, 2002)

During this period, war-torn Europe was rebuilt and anti-communist propagation was successfully disseminated. In addition, a significant change was brought in its foreign policy by the of America formation of NATO. This was to counter the communist authority. This made another opportunity for America in extending its imperialistic dominance. In 1950, an attempt had been accomplished to penalize communist-oriented civil servants offending as the spies of communist world. The Korean War, Segregation of East and West Germany, Sino-Japan war, Vietnam War are some of the horrific examples of this period.

Post Cold War Period

Post-Cold War meant the end of the Soviet threat in this geopolitically and economically crucial region (Jentleson, 2006, p. 359). So, the foreign policy of America was given another format. Accordingly, the policymakers put emphasis on

Preserving the global environment;
Economic globalization;
Sustaining military might;
Financial backup to countries converted to capitalism from communism;
Promote peace in middle east keeping up the interest of Israel; and
Using IMF, WB, and WTO to disseminate their global financial policy. Truly speaking, the ground reality is that even after the end of cold war, America has continued its uncompromising effort for the termination of communist authority.

Emergence of another New Regime

Considerately, America has brought some recent changes in its diplomacy to overcome the recent political turnover. Having a close watch over recent US policy, the proponent of the Soft power and Hard power theory (Nay, 2002, p. 109) has argued, as America is the most powerful State and providing adequate security to its people is quite hard some, adoption of such policy has been the sine qua non.

Professor Nay has meant that by Soft power, the US convinces the states in his favor giving facilities. On the other hand, by Hard power, it uses pressure on the states and creates tyranny (110). Before September 11, 2001, the post–Cold War foreign policy agenda had a long list of issues, but not defined, as anti-communism had been during the Cold War (Jentleson, 2006, p.363). In fact, “the foreign policy politics issues raised by September 11 and Iraq have been highly contentious” (Jentleson, 2006, p. 415).

Foreign Policy of Roger Hilsman

The covert action in regard to the foreign policy of a given country seems an effective means for the successful redress of foreign policy. Roger Hilsman is noted for his contribution to the political arena of the United States of America. The foreign policy developed by Roger Hilsman seems to be too ambitious as it can be said as the exploration of a new era of political process in the political history of America. As per opinion of Bruce (22 June 1996), Roger Hilsman-

“covert political action is not only something the United States can do without in the post-cold war world, it was something the United States could well have done without during the cold war as well”.

Hilsman served in the Kennedy administration as assistant secretary of state for intelligence and research. Roger Hilsman helped the Kennedy administration to develop a particular form of foreign policy. A plan entitled “A strategic concept for south Vietnam” was the foundation of this foreign policy. This plan or concept developed by Hilsman asserted upon three considerations: a. the problem of Vietnam was more political rather than military. B. An effective counterinsurgency was needed to be developed to provide the people adequate protection and security C. In order to protect the guerilla forces, counter guerilla forces had to adopt the tactics alike to that of guerilla forces or somewhat developed than that. Nguyen 908 May 1996) states that

“[i]n his memorandum of 16/9/1963, Roger Hilsman records that Mr. Nhu’s minimal goal is to reduce abundantly the number of American advisors at essential spots having political significance like the Strategic Hamlets”.

The purpose of this as enunciated is to negotiate with the north, withdrawal of Americans from Vietnam. To give effect to his plan, Hilsman used strategic villages and defended villages. This includes three-phase process as; a. a systemic process named GVN control would gradually be developed, b. Building population centers that are gathered with mass people. C. Demarcating a definite area for the people of definite territory that need to be selected with Laotian and Cambodian borders. With the course of time, the strategic village plan got prominence and wider recognition among mass people. Regarding the policies adopted in regard to Vietnam, Hilsman argues that Kennedy had to adopt this policy toward Vietnam because of the apprehension of the dangers by the Pentagon and the hardliner political parties.

Merit of the Plan

Speaking about his plan regarding Vietnam, Hilsman asserts not to take the principles of neutrality as it would seriously affect the nation. To quote him, “we need to continue the covert, or at least deniable, operations along the general lines we have been following for some months” against North Vietnam with the objective of “keeping the threat of eventual destruction alive in Hanoi’s mind.[1]” He continued to add that America has already gained significant success in this issue and there is the potential to draw conclusive success for us.

Criticism

The foreign policy developed by Roger Hilsman is worth appreciation as the plan had been designed for the protection and security of the American people. But certainly the plan lacks some inherent defects and loopholes. The designed plan had to expand huge cost which has caused injury to the public exchequer of American Government. Again, tens of thousands of people had to lose their lives. States have only accelerated the usage of some lethal weapons. Though America had designed this plan, in effect, it produced no substantial gain and benefits for the people of the country.

American Foreign policy: An Evaluation

It is reasonable to state that politics has a more rational base than policy as it requires the mass orientation and decision of the policymakers greatly rely on this issue. The foreign policy of a particular country is determined in pursuance of the inherent philosophy of state administration and the political outlook of the policymakers of a given country. America has a tremendous success in its foreign policy.

Alike Vietnam, another success of American foreign policy is its attempt in the perspective of Cuba. The approach of the Kennedy administration regarding Cuban Revolution and revolutionary trends as much positive. In this regard, Roger Hilsman contributed much to the formulation and development of American foreign policy. Of course, the attempt of negotiation regarding missile issue with the Soviet Russia was supposed to be discussed; but, unfortunately it was failed.

Findings

Actually, the development of American foreign policy has taken place due to various reasons. Since its inception, America has changed its foreign policy several times. Howsoever, from a historical perspective, it can be opined that the trend of changing foreign policy of America is its sense of security and self-preservation. For its security and sustainability, before 1945 as America was not so influential, it was not deemed to be interested in expanding its power and influences. The foreign policy adopted in the post -cold war era also suggests the same philosophical outlook of American foreign policy. Likewise, the foreign policy adopted centering the Vietnam War also articulates the same notion of foreign policy of America, sense of protection and security.

Conclusion

The plan of Hilsman was designed for the protection and security of the American people. Particularly, when there was conflict between America and Vietnam centering Vietnam War, Hilsman developed his plan to counter Vietnam and protect the intervention against people of America. The foreign policy developed by Hilsman provided a variety of recommendations to implement the counterinsurgency. Consequently, the efficiency of American force and the state administration has gained success. Despite this, the foreign policy of Roger Hilsman is subject to criticism and critical analysis. The world is moving fast and the changes are taking place with much rapidity.

States are becoming more conscious in regard to every aspect of their life. In the changing political context, America should minutely consider the global phenomena in designing its foreign policy. The foreign policy of Roger Hilsman if implemented in the present context, certainly it would cause miscarriages to the people and state administration. It is judicious for the policymakers to frame a delicate foreign policy for the purpose of avoiding clashes, miscarriages and hindrances to the state administration and to the people of it as well.

Bibliography

Bruce, W. Weinrod. (1996). U.S. intelligence priorities in the post-cold war era. World Affairs. Web.

Department Of State. (2002) “Organization and Management of U.S. Foreign Policy, 1969-1972”. Web.

Jentleson, W. Bruce. (2006) American Foreign Policy: The Dynamics of choice in the 21st century. 3rd Ed. W. W. Norton & Company. Web.

Mills, C. Wright. (1956) The Power Elite. New York: Oxford U.P.

Nay, S. Joseph. (2002) The Paradox of American Power. New York: Oxford University Press.

Nguyen,Kim. (1996). Incident of Buddhist flag – US involvement – Coup Generals (1). Web.

Ranney, Austin. (1975) Curing the Mischiefs of Factions. Berkeley: University of California Press.

US History Encyclopedia. Web.

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