“遏制战略之父”乔治·凯南的中国观

乔治·凯南是美国冷战初期"遏制战略"的缔造者和苏联问题专家,曾对美国外交决策产生重要影响,特别是在他担任国务院政策规划室主任期间。但是,由于对中国社会和历史缺乏全面而深入的了解,凯南眼中的中国虽然历史悠久、文化灿烂,却是一个"自大排外""自私冷酷"又"不讲原则"的古老民族。这种负面的中国印象直接影响了乔治·凯南对中美苏三国关系的定位以及冷战时期美国外交政策。乔治·凯南的文化教育背景、好友小约翰·戴维斯的影响及其信奉的现实主义政治理论是影响他的中国观的主要因素。

George F.Kennan’s View of China

George F.Kennan,a leading Soviet Union specialist during the early period of the Cold War,was the architect of the U.S.containment strategy.He had great influence on the process of America’s foreign policy,especially when he was the director of the U.S.State Department’s Policy Planning Staff.Kennan lacked a deep understanding of the social reality and history of China;nonetheless,he thought China had a long history and brilliant culture,but this ancient nation was too xenophobic and arrogant,selfish and ruthless,and disregarded principles.This negative view of China directly impacted George F.Kennan’s views about the triangular relationship of China,the Soviet Union,and America,hence it influenced America’s foreign policy during the Cold War.His cultural and educational background,the influence from his close friend John P.Davies,Jr.,and the Realpolitik theory he held were the main factors that impacted George F.Kennan’s view of China.