The book The Wise Men, authored by Evan Thomas and Walter Isaacson, was initially published in 1986 and chronicled the influential lives of six key figures shaping U.S. foreign policy in the aftermath of World War II. Their names—Ail Harman, Dean Acheson, Chip Bolan, and George Kennan—have faded into the annals of history, yet their impact on the American political landscape is undeniable. As Thomas reflected in a 2012 introduction to the paperback edition, these men operated behind the scenes but were instrumental in creating international institutions and forging a lasting peace in a perilous time.
During an interview in his 70s, Evan Thomas shared how the inception of The Wise Men was born out of youthful curiosity. In the mid-1980s, Thomas and Isaacson, both in their 30s and relatively inexperienced in foreign policy, embarked on what they described as a thrilling adventure. The project drew upon the dramatic transformation of the United States as it emerged from the chaos of WWII to take its place as a global superpower. The book aimed to profile six men who propelled the U.S. into this new role, uncovering their histories, ideologies, and the social dynamics that defined their years in power.
Who Were the Wise Men?
The six individuals highlighted in the book were prominent figures in shaping the U.S. foreign policy establishment:
Ail Harman: A Yale-educated businessman and diplomat noted for his realism and ability to negotiate with the Soviets. Harman had a global perspective and was instrumental in developing ties with Europe and Asia.
Dean Acheson: With his roots in the Ivy League and a stellar academic background, Acheson served as Secretary of State from 1949 to 1953. He was crucial in formulating the Marshall Plan and the U.S. response to communism, believing that America had to champion a new world order.
Chip Bolan: Slightly less recognized than the others, Bolan was a charming diplomat whose career spanned across various high-profile positions. He was not as ideologically driven but worked to ensure the U.S. engaged effectively in global diplomacy.
George Kennan: A Princeton graduate, Kennan was a key architect of the containment policy towards the Soviet Union. He viewed the world through a lens of elitist idealism, advocating for governance by a 'Council of Wise Men.'
John J. McCloy: The outlier in terms of social upbringing, McCloy rose to become a pivotal figure in foreign affairs, helping establish major institutions like the Council on Foreign Relations and holding influential positions throughout his career.
Robert Lovett: While not as well-known, Lovett's contributions were significant. He was involved in key defense strategies and international collaborations post-WWII, effectively bridging military and diplomatic efforts.
In addition to their individual accomplishments, Thomas and Isaacson examined the network of relationships among the Wise Men, highlighting their shared Ivy League backgrounds and connections. These relationships fostered camaraderie and cooperation but also raised questions about the insularity of elite policymaking.
As Thomas recounted anecdotes about Ail Harman's grumpy demeanor and his access to classified information to Acheson's brilliant yet contentious relationships with various presidents, a nuanced portrait unfolded. Some were open to engaging younger generations and sharing their wisdom while others struggled with the changing landscape of the political environment.
In assessing their contributions, Thomas acknowledged a critical tension within the age and experience of the Wise Men. While many of their initial policies were effective, the later years brought about a resistance to new ideas and alternatives. Dean Acheson's staunch support for intervention in Vietnam, for example, contrasted sharply with the changing public sentiment.
Their legacy is further complicated by the political and social upheaval in the decades since their leadership. As the Ivy League schools became less synonymous with wisdom and leadership, a more diverse set of backgrounds emerged within today's political nominees, suggesting a shift in how we define expertise.
Reflecting on current politics, Thomas articulated concerns regarding the qualifications and backgrounds of today's leadership compared to the highly-educated, Ivy League-connected cadre of the past. Yet he remained optimistic about American resilience and the evolving landscape of global diplomacy.
The narrative of the Wise Men provides an essential framework for understanding not only their era but also the enduring complexities of leadership in a rapidly changing world. It raises fundamental questions about the relationship between education, experience, and effective governance in the diverse and intricate fabric of America’s political environment today.
Evan Thomas’s reflections on the Wise Men and their enduring influence reveal both the grandeur and the pitfalls of power in foreign policy. The lessons learned from their lives underscore the relevance of experience while reminding us that wisdom is often accompanied by the challenge of adapting to new realities. As Thomas considers writing another book focusing on the period leading to Pearl Harbor, he remains committed to exploring the intersections of history and leadership, offering insights into both the past and the future of global affairs.
Part 1/8:
The Wise Men: A Legacy of American Diplomacy
The book The Wise Men, authored by Evan Thomas and Walter Isaacson, was initially published in 1986 and chronicled the influential lives of six key figures shaping U.S. foreign policy in the aftermath of World War II. Their names—Ail Harman, Dean Acheson, Chip Bolan, and George Kennan—have faded into the annals of history, yet their impact on the American political landscape is undeniable. As Thomas reflected in a 2012 introduction to the paperback edition, these men operated behind the scenes but were instrumental in creating international institutions and forging a lasting peace in a perilous time.
The Birth of the Book
Part 2/8:
During an interview in his 70s, Evan Thomas shared how the inception of The Wise Men was born out of youthful curiosity. In the mid-1980s, Thomas and Isaacson, both in their 30s and relatively inexperienced in foreign policy, embarked on what they described as a thrilling adventure. The project drew upon the dramatic transformation of the United States as it emerged from the chaos of WWII to take its place as a global superpower. The book aimed to profile six men who propelled the U.S. into this new role, uncovering their histories, ideologies, and the social dynamics that defined their years in power.
Who Were the Wise Men?
The six individuals highlighted in the book were prominent figures in shaping the U.S. foreign policy establishment:
Part 3/8:
Ail Harman: A Yale-educated businessman and diplomat noted for his realism and ability to negotiate with the Soviets. Harman had a global perspective and was instrumental in developing ties with Europe and Asia.
Dean Acheson: With his roots in the Ivy League and a stellar academic background, Acheson served as Secretary of State from 1949 to 1953. He was crucial in formulating the Marshall Plan and the U.S. response to communism, believing that America had to champion a new world order.
Chip Bolan: Slightly less recognized than the others, Bolan was a charming diplomat whose career spanned across various high-profile positions. He was not as ideologically driven but worked to ensure the U.S. engaged effectively in global diplomacy.
Part 4/8:
George Kennan: A Princeton graduate, Kennan was a key architect of the containment policy towards the Soviet Union. He viewed the world through a lens of elitist idealism, advocating for governance by a 'Council of Wise Men.'
John J. McCloy: The outlier in terms of social upbringing, McCloy rose to become a pivotal figure in foreign affairs, helping establish major institutions like the Council on Foreign Relations and holding influential positions throughout his career.
Robert Lovett: While not as well-known, Lovett's contributions were significant. He was involved in key defense strategies and international collaborations post-WWII, effectively bridging military and diplomatic efforts.
Complexity of the Wise Men
Part 5/8:
In addition to their individual accomplishments, Thomas and Isaacson examined the network of relationships among the Wise Men, highlighting their shared Ivy League backgrounds and connections. These relationships fostered camaraderie and cooperation but also raised questions about the insularity of elite policymaking.
As Thomas recounted anecdotes about Ail Harman's grumpy demeanor and his access to classified information to Acheson's brilliant yet contentious relationships with various presidents, a nuanced portrait unfolded. Some were open to engaging younger generations and sharing their wisdom while others struggled with the changing landscape of the political environment.
A Critical Look at Legacy
Part 6/8:
In assessing their contributions, Thomas acknowledged a critical tension within the age and experience of the Wise Men. While many of their initial policies were effective, the later years brought about a resistance to new ideas and alternatives. Dean Acheson's staunch support for intervention in Vietnam, for example, contrasted sharply with the changing public sentiment.
Their legacy is further complicated by the political and social upheaval in the decades since their leadership. As the Ivy League schools became less synonymous with wisdom and leadership, a more diverse set of backgrounds emerged within today's political nominees, suggesting a shift in how we define expertise.
The Modern Comparison
Part 7/8:
Reflecting on current politics, Thomas articulated concerns regarding the qualifications and backgrounds of today's leadership compared to the highly-educated, Ivy League-connected cadre of the past. Yet he remained optimistic about American resilience and the evolving landscape of global diplomacy.
The narrative of the Wise Men provides an essential framework for understanding not only their era but also the enduring complexities of leadership in a rapidly changing world. It raises fundamental questions about the relationship between education, experience, and effective governance in the diverse and intricate fabric of America’s political environment today.
Conclusion
Part 8/8:
Evan Thomas’s reflections on the Wise Men and their enduring influence reveal both the grandeur and the pitfalls of power in foreign policy. The lessons learned from their lives underscore the relevance of experience while reminding us that wisdom is often accompanied by the challenge of adapting to new realities. As Thomas considers writing another book focusing on the period leading to Pearl Harbor, he remains committed to exploring the intersections of history and leadership, offering insights into both the past and the future of global affairs.