Eisenhower: Decision-making and Consensus in an Unfamiliar Context

Abstract

This monograph examines the process by which Dwight D. Eisenhower developed his administration's national security policy, and the lessons that it presents for planners. Eisenhower's experiences provide examples of modern design theory in action, particularly managing the interests of multiple stakeholders, building consensus, and confronting complex problems. The study begins by establishing Eisenhower's experience with planning, and provides the context for his development of national security strategy. The creation of a National Security Council, provided many of the foundational materials for Eisenhower's national security strategy. Project Solarium, a planning exercise directed by Eisenhower during the creation of his administration's national security policy, illustrates an approach to systematically design solutions to complex problems, and gain commitment from all participants.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 17, 2015
Accession Number
ADA623447

Entities

People

  • Dallen R. Arny

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Congress
  • Department Of State
  • Employment
  • Foreign Policy
  • Foreign Relations
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Military History
  • National Security
  • Political Science
  • Second World War
  • Security
  • Students
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Systems Analysis and Design