Out of the Chaos: Analyzing Zbigniew Brzezinski's Theory of Peaceful Engagement from 1961-1981 (2015)

Undergraduates: Jan Michael, Dr. Michael Morgan

Faculty Advisor: Klaus Larres
Department: History

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My thesis is a two-part analysis of National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski¿¿¿s theory of peaceful engagement.

The first half examines Brzezinski¿¿¿s ideas during his academic career with a specific focus on the USSR (1961-1976). In this first half, I analyze how Brzezinski conceptualized the Soviet system through a model of totalitarianism. Building off of this model I then explore his foreign policy of peaceful engagement ¿¿¿ a long term strategy aimed at undermining the USSR. I conclude that his policy of peaceful engagement is broad but well conceptualized, while his model of totalitarianism relies too heavily on American perceptions of Communism.

In the second section I analyze Brzezinski¿¿¿s years as National Security Advisor during the Carter administration (1977-1981). Here, I explore his theory of peaceful engagement in action, particularly concerning the administration¿¿¿s interest in Soviet dissidents. I argue that his human rights campaign is much more about American interests than actually coming to the aid of dissident organizations in the USSR.

I conclude that Brzezinski clearly build off of one another ¿¿¿ flaws and all ¿¿¿ but that there is a significant difference between his ideas during his academic career and his term with the Carter administration. These differences exist because Brzezinski¿¿¿s perceptions of the USSR change once he goes from studying Soviets to negotiating against them.

I¿¿¿ll pick a half of my thesis to present so as to keep it to 10 mins