The notion of perimeter defense, absconded by Kennan, was of the first mandates, as the need to protect peripheral interests was seen as equally as important as protecting vital interests, due to the effects of the domino theory, in that “psychological insecurity could as easily develop from the distant sound of falling dominoes as from the rattling of sabers next door.” In contrast to Kennan’s theory of containment, NSC-68 viewed maintaining control over territory in a higher regard than protecting key areas of infrastructure and industry, another area of divergence from Kennan. This change in priority necessitates the change in policy from focusing on a few key countries, to protecting all friendly nations: Nitze et al were of the opinion that every nation lost was an enemy made, and with enough losses, the odds were raised “that no coalition adequate to confront the Kremlin with greater strength could be
The notion of perimeter defense, absconded by Kennan, was of the first mandates, as the need to protect peripheral interests was seen as equally as important as protecting vital interests, due to the effects of the domino theory, in that “psychological insecurity could as easily develop from the distant sound of falling dominoes as from the rattling of sabers next door.” In contrast to Kennan’s theory of containment, NSC-68 viewed maintaining control over territory in a higher regard than protecting key areas of infrastructure and industry, another area of divergence from Kennan. This change in priority necessitates the change in policy from focusing on a few key countries, to protecting all friendly nations: Nitze et al were of the opinion that every nation lost was an enemy made, and with enough losses, the odds were raised “that no coalition adequate to confront the Kremlin with greater strength could be