GEORGE F. KENNAN’S DIPLOMATIC SERVICE IN THE USSR (1952): OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

DOI 10.17721/2521-1706.2024.18.8

Nataliya Gorodnia,

Dr.habil. (History), Professor,

Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8152-3927

Abstract. The purpose of the article is to describe and discuss G. F. Kennan’s diplomatic service as the U.S. Ambassador to the USSR, the political environment and other factors that affected it.

Methodology. This is a qualitative empirical research, based on a critical analysis of primary sources: diplomatic correspondence and notes, foreign policy reports and speeches, memoirs and published G. Kennan’s works. The research topic is studied against the background of U.S.-Soviet relations, and major international developments in the early 1950s.

The scientific novelty of this research is based on the coverage of a topic that has not been sufficiently studied, and in the introduction of new primary sources for this purpose.

Conclusions. G. Kennan was one of a few representatives of the American establishment who sought to reach an agreement with the USSR on the most pressing international issues, and normalize bilateral relations through negotiations. His appointment as Ambassador to the USSR created a «window of opportunity» to open discussions on the major issues. However, this opportunity was not realized due to the unprecedented anti-American campaign in the USSR, and the lack of the Soviet government’s interest in any contacts with the Ambassador. G. Kennan even assumed that the USSR was preparing for the war with the U.S., that he had previously denied. Finally, he reaffirmed his views that the underlying reason for Soviet conduct was a thesis of the instability and weakness of the capitalist world, and the inability of the United States to withstand constant attacks from the USSR and the communist movement. Therefore, the USSR policy was aimed at undermining U.S. authority and splitting the Western coalition. G. Kennan believed that in such circumstances no talks with the USSR were possible. He focused on addressing the anti-American campaign, and the erroneous Soviet beliefs. Instead, the Soviet government declared him persona non grata, just on the eve of the 19th Party Congress, which G. Kennan linked to the possibility of Stalin’s departure from power.

Key words: G. F. Kennan, United States, USSR, Cold War, foreign policy, U.S.–Soviet relations, Truman administration.

Submitted: 18.07.2024

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