DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

February 1, 2000

  1. Why is the United States in Vietnam, according to LBJ?

  2. To what extent is the rationale for involvement in Vietnam a continuation of earlier rationales for American involvement elsewhere?  What has changed since Wilson and FDR?

  3. Is LBJ an idealist like Wilson?  To what extent can we speak of Johnsonian idealism just as we speak of Wilsonian idealism?  If a comparison could be made, what differences would exist in their idealism?

  4. What is the image of America which is presented to America and the world by LBJ? by Rusk? by Lippmann? by Podhoretz?

  5. Are the arguments put forward by Podhoretz sound?  What is the American national interest in Vietnam according to Podhoretz?  According to Rusk?

  6. According to Lippmann, what prevented the United States from pursuing an unlimited war in Vietnam?

  7. From the statement by Rusk, what is the definition of "self determination"?  What is the difference between self determination and a war of national liberation?

  8. Under what circumstances is force lawful, according to Rusk?