Nixon - Triangular Diplomacy

Summary

In this intense conversation, high-ranking officials discuss a critical strategy to avoid the embarrassment of losing the Vietnam War. The President emphasizes the need for bold actions, such as bombing Cambodia and Hanoi, while pushing for 'triangular diplomacy' with China and the Soviet Union to secure a better future for the U.S. Despite the risky nature of these plans, the President believes they will ensure his re-election. The dialogue explores the complexity of geopolitics, balancing military actions with diplomacy, and the high stakes involved in shaping history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The president is determined not to be the first American president to lose a war, especially in Vietnam.
• 😀 The strategy involves bombing Cambodia, Hanoi, and Laos to buy time and strengthen the position of the South Vietnamese.
• 😀 The key goal is to give South Vietnam a fighting chance while avoiding direct U.S. defeat.
• 😀 The president believes that if the U.S. stays committed, they can drive a wedge through the communist alliance.
• 😀 Signals from China indicate that they fear the Vietnamese more than the Russians, making them a potential negotiating partner.
• 😀 The U.S. could negotiate separately with both China and the Soviet Union, potentially securing better deals than expected.
• 😀 The concept of triangular diplomacy is introduced, where the U.S. links global self-interest in its geopolitical strategy.
• 😀 The president struggles with how to communicate this strategy to the press and public, especially in the face of criticism.
• 😀 A potential recognition of Communist China is discussed as a risky but strategically advantageous move.
• 😀 The president believes taking bold actions, like recognizing China, could ensure a second term, as history rewards risk.
• 😀 Nixon is portrayed as a leader willing to take extreme actions, such as bombing Hanoi or even considering nuclear options if necessary.

Q & A

What is the president's main concern regarding his legacy?

The president's main concern is not being remembered as the first American president to lose a war. He is focused on ensuring that the United States does not fail in Vietnam.

What strategy does the president propose for securing a victory in Vietnam?

The president suggests bombing key locations in Cambodia, Hanoi, and Laos, while giving the South Vietnamese forces a chance to fight back. This is intended to buy time and allow for a stronger position in the conflict.

How does the president view the role of geopolitics in the situation?

The president believes that geopolitics involves linking nations for mutual self-interest. He suggests that a strategy of engaging with China and the Soviet Union separately would yield better deals for the U.S. than expected.

What is triangular diplomacy, and how does it relate to the president's plan?

Triangular diplomacy refers to the president's strategy of engaging both China and the Soviet Union independently, with the goal of achieving favorable outcomes for the U.S. by exploiting the rivalry between these two nations.

How does the president feel about the media's understanding of the situation?

The president is frustrated with the media, dismissing them as simple-minded and uncomprehending of the complex geopolitical situation. He believes they won't understand the rationale behind his actions.

What is the president's stance on recognizing Red China?

The president acknowledges that recognizing Red China would be risky and controversial, but he believes he can make it work due to his long-standing credentials and positioning on the issue, unlike previous presidents who failed.

Why does the president think taking risks is essential for success?

The president believes that without taking risks, there can be no heroism or historical significance. He sees risk as a necessary component for achieving greatness and securing his place in history.

What does the president mean by saying 'Nixon was born to do this'?

The president is expressing his confidence that he is uniquely positioned to handle this geopolitical challenge. He sees himself as destined to take these bold actions, which he believes will define his legacy.

What is the contingency plan if the Cambodia strategy does not succeed?

If the bombing of Cambodia does not yield results, the president suggests escalating the conflict by bombing Hanoi and, if necessary, resorting to even more extreme measures, including potentially using nuclear weapons.

How does the president perceive the risk of his strategy in terms of political consequences?

The president acknowledges that his strategy is risky, especially regarding the potential political fallout, but he believes that such risks are essential for securing a second term and for achieving the desired outcomes in Vietnam.