George F. Kennan: “The Sources of Soviet Conduct”

( 1947 ) Commentary by Anthony Santoro, Heidelberg Center of American Studies

“Soviet pressure against the free institutions of the Western world is something that can be contained by the adroit and vigilant application of counterforce at a series of constantly shifting geographical and political points, corresponding to the shifts and maneuvers of Soviet policy, but which cannot be charmed or talked out of existence.” - “The Sources of Soviet Conduct”
“It is a sine qua non of successful dealing with Russia that the foreign government in question should remain at all times cool and collected and that its demands on Russian policy should be put forward in such a manner as to leave the way open for a compliance not too detrimental to Russian prestige.” - “The Sources of Soviet Conduct”
“Thus the future of Soviet power may not be … as secure as Russian capacity for self-delusion would make it appear … the possibility remains … that Soviet power, like the capitalist world of its conception, bears within it the seeds of its own decay, and that the sprouting of these seeds is well advanced.” - “The Sources of Soviet Conduct”

George Kennan (Library of Congress)

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