Task – ‘Open-source’ task. Theory – 10 point task – a ‘Open-source’ task. Find/identify main postulates of given great thinker/scholar [from Martin Griffiths

George Kennan
George Kennan was an American diplomat and historian who made significant contributions to the study of international relations (IR). The main postulates of Kennan are:

1. 
   Containment: Kennan is best known for his policy of containment, which was aimed at preventing the spread of Soviet influence during the Cold War. He argued that the US should adopt a policy of containment, seeking to limit Soviet influence and to prevent the spread of communism.
   
2. 
   Realism: Kennan was a Realist, and he believed that the pursuit of power was the main driver of international relations. He saw states as rational actors motivated by self-interest and security considerations.
   
3. 
   The role of diplomacy: Kennan emphasized the importance of diplomacy in shaping international relations. He saw diplomacy as a key tool for managing the international system and for resolving conflicts between states.
   

Illustration of events/cases in IR:

1. 
   The Cold War: The Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union was an example of Kennan's policy of containment. The US adopted a policy of containment aimed at limiting Soviet influence and preventing the spread of communism.
   
2. 
   The Marshall Plan: The Marshall Plan, which was launched by the US in the aftermath of World War II, is an example of Kennan's emphasis on diplomacy. The plan was aimed at rebuilding the economies of Western Europe and was seen as a key tool for managing the international system and resolving conflicts between states.
   
3. 
   The Cuban Missile Crisis: The Cuban Missile Crisis was a prime example of Kennan's realist perspective. The crisis was driven by the pursuit of power and security by both the US and the Soviet Union, highlighting the centrality of self-interest and security considerations in shaping international relations.
   

Henry kissenger
Henry Kissinger was an American diplomat and political scientist who served as the United States Secretary of State from 1973 to 1977. The main postulates of Kissinger are:

1. 
   Realism: Kissinger was a Realist and believed that the pursuit of power was the main driver of international relations. He saw states as rational actors motivated by self-interest and security considerations.
   
2. 
   Diplomacy: Kissinger emphasized the importance of diplomacy in shaping international relations. He saw diplomacy as a key tool for managing the international system and for resolving conflicts between states.
   
3. 
   Balance of power: Kissinger believed that the balance of power was an important factor in shaping international relations. He saw the balance of power as a mechanism for preserving stability in the international system and for preventing the domination of one state or group of states over others.
   

Illustration of events/cases in IR:

1. 
   The opening to China: Kissinger's opening to China was an example of his emphasis on diplomacy. He saw the opening to China as a way to balance the power between the US and the Soviet Union and to create a more stable international system.
   
2. 
   The Vietnam War: The Vietnam War was an example of Kissinger's realist perspective. He saw the war as a struggle for power and security and believed that the US needed to maintain its position in Vietnam to protect its interests in the region.
   
3. 
   The Middle East: Kissinger's involvement in the Middle East was an example of his belief in the importance of balance of power. He sought to balance the power between the various states in the region and to prevent the domination of one state or group of states over others. This is seen in his efforts to negotiate a peace settlement between Israel and Egypt, which was aimed at preserving stability in the region.