An exploration of the concept of national credibility within the Kennedy administration and its impact on policy towards Southeast Asia

This exploration of the principle of credibility demonstrates its abstract nature and suggests the danger implicit in making it central to the process of government. For the United States, the principle of credibility has played a major role in the formation of post-World War II politics; initially with it centring on the concept of demonstrating reliability to allies and believability to adversaries. It gained increasing power throughout the presidency of John F. Kennedy on account of a broadening of its scope: For Kennedy there was a need to demonstrate credibility through international relations, whilst projecting a credible image of strength domestically. This dissertation identifies how the expanded notion of credibility influenced the foreign policy decisions of the Kennedy administration, with particular emphasis on how it related to policy in Southeast Asia. It is discussed that the reason underpinning why a diplomatic solution was sought in Laos and a military response in Vietnam was due to the propensity of the Kennedy administration for strong responses to communism: Vietnam presented better prospects for success, but his perception of the US electorate as being hawkish inclined Kennedy to seek a military victory there, to offset domestic criticism regarding the diplomatic settlement in Laos