The Peaceful Resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis: According to Robert Kennedy

The Peaceful Resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis: According to Robert Kennedy
Introduction
The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous moments in human history, as it brought the United States and the Soviet Union to the brink of nuclear war. However, thanks to the leadership of President John F. Kennedy and his advisors, particularly his brother Robert F. Kennedy, the crisis ended peacefully. In his memoir “Thirteen Days,” Robert Kennedy provides valuable insights into the reasons behind the peaceful resolution of the crisis. According to Robert Kennedy, several key factors contributed to this outcome.

Options Presented to President Kennedy
Once the crisis began, President Kennedy’s advisors presented him with a range of options to respond to the presence of Soviet missiles in Cuba. These options included diplomatic negotiations, a surgical airstrike to destroy the missiles, a full-scale invasion of Cuba, and a naval blockade. After careful consideration, President Kennedy chose the naval blockade as the preferred course of action. According to Robert Kennedy, the blockade was chosen because it allowed for a measured response that demonstrated resolve without immediately escalating the conflict into all-out war. It also bought time for diplomatic negotiations to take place.

Factors Outside of the U.S.
While the decisions made by President Kennedy and his advisors were crucial, several external factors also played a significant role in the peaceful resolution of the crisis. One such factor was the international pressure exerted on both the United States and the Soviet Union. The global community, including countries like France and China, urged restraint and diplomatic solutions. This international pressure placed a burden on both superpowers to find a peaceful resolution and avoid catastrophic consequences.

Additionally, Robert Kennedy highlights the role played by backchannel communications between President Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. Through these secret communications, both leaders were able to express their concerns and intentions without escalating tensions publicly. This direct line of communication allowed for a better understanding of each other’s positions and facilitated the negotiation process.

Key Turning Points in the Crisis
According to Robert Kennedy, there were several key turning points during the crisis that contributed to its peaceful resolution. One such turning point was the decision by President Kennedy to ignore the more aggressive recommendations from some of his advisors and pursue a diplomatic solution instead. By choosing diplomacy over military action, Kennedy opened up possibilities for a peaceful resolution.

Another significant turning point was Khrushchev’s decision to withdraw Soviet missiles from Cuba in exchange for a U.S. pledge not to invade the island nation and a secret agreement to remove U.S. missiles from Turkey. This decision by Khrushchev demonstrated a willingness to compromise and avoid further escalation.

Robert Kennedy’s Assessment
In his memoir, Robert Kennedy praised his brother’s handling of the crisis. He commended President Kennedy’s ability to navigate through difficult decisions and maintain calm under immense pressure. However, some critics argue that Robert Kennedy’s assessment may be biased due to his personal relationship with his brother. While it is possible that his assessment may have been influenced by familial ties, it is important to consider that Robert Kennedy was intimately involved in the decision-making process during the crisis. His firsthand experience provides valuable insights into his brother’s leadership and decision-making abilities.

Conclusion
According to Robert Kennedy, the peaceful resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis can be attributed to a combination of factors. President Kennedy’s measured response and his willingness to pursue diplomacy played a crucial role in avoiding nuclear war. External factors such as international pressure and backchannel communications also contributed significantly to the outcome. While some may question Robert Kennedy’s assessment due to his personal relationship with his brother, his insights provide valuable perspectives on the crisis. Ultimately, it is through a comprehensive understanding of these factors that we can appreciate why the crisis ended peacefully.