ABSTRACT
In the “great debate” of the early postwar years on the role of power and ideals, Hans J. Morgenthau’s message was shocking to the orthodox formulators and justifiers of American foreign policy. Morgenthau’s criticism of America’s participation in the Vietnam War followed logically from the conceptual and policy views that underlay his criticism of the Dulles regime. While stressing the misuse of military power, Morgenthau did not ignore the fallacies underlying American policies toward the use of economic power. The simple equation of economic development—even assuming that the United States could promote it—with democracy, political stability, and the reduction of conflict struck him as another example of the profound misconception of the nature of politics among nations. In avowing these positions on America’s foreign relations, Hans Morgenthau has been more of a critic than a prophet; but he has been a critic inspired by a mission that is never fulfilled.
