The Hawk and the Dove: Paul Nitze, George Kennan, and the History of the Cold War

Date:  October 8, 2009 Time:  7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Location:  Wisconsin Veterans Museum Sponsor:  Please see event description for sponsor information.

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See video of the event here.

Overview:
Only two Americans held positions of great influence throughout the Cold War; ironically, they were the chief advocates for the opposing strategies for winning—and surviving—that harrowing conflict. Both men came to power during World War II, reached their professional peaks during the Cold War’s most frightening moments, and fought epic political battles that spanned decades. Yet despite their very different views, Paul Nitze and George Kennan dined together, attended the weddings of each other’s children, and remained good friends all their lives. Nitze’s grandson, Nicholas Thompson, weaves a fascinating narrative that follows these two rivals and friends from the beginning of the Cold War to its end, meanwhile telling the story of our nation during the most dangerous half century in history.  Lecture and book signing.

A 2009 Wisconsin Book Festival Event

A 2009 Dr. Richard H. Zeitlin Distinguished Lecture Series Event

Sponsors:
Center for World Affairs and the Global Economy (WAGE), Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Wisconsin Book Festival, Department of History, Grand Strategy Program, and Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA)