Realism In The Cuban Missile Crisis

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The Cuban Missile Crisis can also be viewed through the lens of a liberalism. This rationalist lens views humans to be reasoned and thus more inclined to be corporative than confrontational. When looking at international relations a rationalist would call for diplomacy and the creation of international organizations as the best source of action to prevent or end conflict. In regard to the security dilemma, a liberal believes in idealism. In other words, a rationalist believes that the security problem caused by the internationally anarchical world we live in could be solved by people working together through institutions. It can be seen how rationalism is a very applicable lens through which to see the world work when looking at international institutions such as the United Nations and the European Union.
When applying to lens of a rationalist when trying to figure out how and why the Cuban Missile Crisis occurred, it is crucial to understand why the relationships between the three parties had gone sour. Relations with the Soviet Union and the United States had gone bad nearly fifteen years before, as foreign service experts agreed by 1946 that the United States needed to engage in some sort of “realistic confrontation” with the Soviets. While foreign service experts were all aware, and agreed on the fact that stern diplomatic action should be taken, officials were unable to make diplomatic ties with the Soviets to try and mend the failing relationship. Thus, the Cuban