What JFK tried to do before his assassination w/Jeffrey Sachs | The Chris Hedges Report

Summary

The transcript is a detailed discussion on John F. Kennedy's efforts to build a sustainable peace with the Soviet Union, as chronicled by Jeffrey Sachs in his book 'To Move the World.' It covers Kennedy's campaign to curb the arms race and his attempts to end the Cold War through diplomacy, highlighted by his implementation of the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1963. The conversation delves into the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kennedy's struggle against war-advocating figures within his administration, and the significant impact of the lies told by the CIA. It also touches on the post-WWII tensions over Germany, the near nuclear catastrophes, and Kennedy's powerful speech on peace that resonated with Khrushchev and led to a peace agreement. The summary concludes with a critique of the US's current approach to foreign policy, particularly regarding NATO enlargement and the conflict in Ukraine, contrasting it with Kennedy's diplomatic strategies and the consequences of not learning from past peace efforts.

Takeaways

• 📚 Jeffrey Sachs' book 'To Move the World' chronicles John F. Kennedy's efforts to curb the arms race and build ties with the Soviet Union from October 1962 to September 1963.
• ✊ JFK's vision for peace with the Soviets was not shared by many within his administration, especially the military, reflecting the internal struggle between diplomacy and war.
• 🗣️ Kennedy's famous inaugural address included the line, 'Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate,' highlighting his commitment to peace through dialogue.
• 📉 The Bay of Pigs invasion was a significant failure that led to increased tensions with the Soviet Union and a critical shift in Kennedy's approach to foreign policy.
• 🤔 Kennedy recognized the danger of unchecked CIA actions and their propensity for misinformation, which contributed to the deterioration of US-Soviet relations.
• 🚫 The absence of a peace treaty post-WWII and the subsequent Cold War were rooted in a dispute over the future of Germany, leading to a remilitarized Western Germany and heightened Soviet fears.
• 🔄 The Cuban Missile Crisis was a turning point for Kennedy, leading to a secret deal with Khrushchev to remove missiles from both Cuba and Turkey, and a deeper understanding of the need for diplomacy.
• 🌟 Kennedy's speech on peace is considered one of the most courageous acts in political history, advocating for a reevaluation of the US position and the recognition of common interests with the Soviets.
• 🔄 The Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963 was a direct result of Kennedy's push for peace and marked a significant step towards the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
• 🔄 The end of the Cold War was facilitated by diplomatic efforts from both Reagan and Gorbachev, with Gorbachev unilaterally disbanding the Warsaw Pact and receiving promises from the US not to expand NATO eastward.
• ⚔️ The US's continuous expansion of NATO and aggressive foreign policy post-Cold War has been viewed as a provocation by Russia, leading to increased tensions and the current conflict in Ukraine.

Q & A

What was the main focus of John F. Kennedy's last battle before his assassination?

John F. Kennedy's last battle was focused on building a sustainable peace with the Soviet Union and curbing the arms race.

Which book by Jeffrey Sachs chronicles Kennedy's efforts to end the Cold War?

Jeffrey Sachs' book titled 'To Move the World' chronicles Kennedy's efforts from October 1962 to September 1963 to curb the arms race and build ties with the Soviet Union.

What significant treaty did Kennedy implement in 1963?

Kennedy implemented the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1963.

What was the Cuban Missile Crisis, and how did it influence Kennedy's perspective on the Cold War?

The Cuban Missile Crisis was a 13-day confrontation in 1962 between the United States and the Soviet Union over Soviet ballistic missiles deployed in Cuba. It influenced Kennedy's perspective by making him realize the urgency of diplomacy and the dangers of unchecked military escalation.

What was the context of the Bay of Pigs invasion and how did it affect Kennedy's trust in the CIA?

The Bay of Pigs invasion was a failed military operation in 1961 by the CIA to overthrow the Cuban government. It led to a disastrous outcome and significantly undermined Kennedy's trust in the CIA.

What was the significance of Kennedy's speech on peace and how was it received by the Soviet Union?

Kennedy's speech on peace was significant as it was a call for reconsideration of the U.S. position towards the Soviet Union, emphasizing common interests and the possibility of cooperation. It was well-received by the Soviet Union, with Khrushchev considering it the finest speech by an American president since FDR.

What was the role of Ted Sorensen in Kennedy's speech?

Ted Sorensen was a key advisor to Kennedy and played a significant role in crafting the speech, contributing to its elegiac and compelling nature.

How did Kennedy's approach to the Cuban Missile Crisis differ from that of his military advisors?

Kennedy's approach was more diplomatic and cautious compared to his military advisors, who were pushing for an immediate and aggressive military campaign against Cuba. Kennedy sought a negotiated settlement, which eventually led to the removal of missiles from both Cuba and Turkey.

What was the impact of Kennedy's assassination on the progress made towards peace with the Soviet Union?

Kennedy's assassination cut short the progress made towards peace. The hardliners regained control in the Soviet Union after Khrushchev, and the momentum for peace that Kennedy had built was lost.

How did the U.S. approach to NATO enlargement contribute to the tensions with Russia?

The U.S. approach to NATO enlargement, particularly the expansion into Eastern Europe and the inclusion of countries bordering Russia, was seen as a provocation by Russia. This contributed to rising tensions and a renewed sense of threat from the West.

What were the key points of the proposed U.S.-Russia security agreement that Putin put on the table in December 2021?

The key points of the proposed U.S.-Russia security agreement included NATO not enlarging to include Ukraine and the removal of missiles that were pointed at Russia.