Politics can be the cause and opportunity for addressing conflict and building peace. But sometimes, politics can act as the cause of conflict and precipitate violence which, left unresolved, can escalate to war. This course examines pressures and conditions that influenced significant political decisions made by six American Presidents over a 30-year time span. These decisions were contributary, and sometimes causative, to America’s historical growing involvement in the Vietnam War. We will study the power impact of international changes such as the decline of colonialism, growth of communism, and American belief in its invincibility all blended on a pallet of dramatic flashpoint decision options that stymied the best and brightest leaders of diverse backgrounds and political persuasions.
((Don Goughler - Wednesday - In-Person))
