George Kennan's 'The Sources Of Soviet Conduct'

George Kennan's article "The Sources of Soviet Conduct" is concerned predominantly with the observation of the founding ideals of the Communist system. In part one Kennan proposes that these concepts such as the exchange of goods, the failings of the capitalist system and the inevitability of war as a result of imperialism were in fact just ideology and once power was attained had very little practical or pragmatic application to Russian society. Further he presents a scathing review of Stalin and his compatriots having to use fear and brutality to justify their dictatorial ambitions and absolute lust for power and control.
Secondly, Kennan purposes that the Soviets are engaged for the long term in this conflict of ideologies and battle for domination. He also outlines the fragile ideological base on which the entire institution of the Kremlin sits, that of its own total infallibility as a group of leaders. As an organisation Kennan proposes that should this veneer of infallibility crumble it would spell the end of the Soviet era. To achieve this Kennan purposes a policy of containment to put a holt on soviet expansionism both physically and ideologically. Interestingly he also acknowledges that the Soviet leadership has a strength for the …show more content…
However a major focus of the third section is the analysis and breaking down of weaknesses in the Soviet economy, namely the allocation of resources and inherent lack of even development. As well as an atrophying economy he talks about the potential for growing disparity at the heart of the Communist Party itself as new, young members move through the ranks. He poignantly mentions that the Soviets have consequently tied their own noose and are already well advanced on the road to decay and