Discuss the reasons for, and characteristics of, Eisenhower’s New Look foreign policy.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for and the characteristics of Eisenhower’s New Look foreign policy. Candidates may offer equal coverage of the reasons and the characteristics, or they may prioritize their discussion. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to Eisenhower’s New Look foreign policy as a change from Truman’s direct-action policy in Korea. Reasons could include a desire to set a new course, to lower defence spending, to get more “bang for the buck” and to decrease reliance on conventional forces. Candidates may refer to the characteristics as increased reliance on strategic nuclear weapons, brinkmanship, massive retaliation, mutual assured destruction and the use of covert operations as seen in Iran and Guatemala. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Discuss the reasons for, and characteristics of Eisenhower's New Look foreign policy. This popular question offered fairly good responses with a sound discussion of the reasons for, and the characteristics of the New Look.