Political Science

Kennedys administration and his attitude as the President of the U.S. in the 1960s were challenged by the enormous threat of communism around the world.   His appearance and aggressive assertion of the countrys principles of democracy during his election speech was put into test during the Cold War period especially at the incident at Bay Pig. As opposed to what he stated in his speech, the Bay Pig Affair turned Kennedy as much a victim of predetermined forces as an instigator of aggression (Burman, 1991 113) which was contrary to the principles of world democracy - to depend freedom around the world (Burman, 1991 112).

U.S. foreign policy is governed by its mission to remain as the worlds superpower that consequently affects its interaction and relations with individual country.  American foreign policy on Cuba during Kennedys time was aimed at removing Fidel Castro from power  and reestablishing a government friendly to the United States(Drachman  shank, 1977 85).  However, despite many efforts that successfully carried out the thrust of democracy, the Bay Pigs invasion in Cuba gave the impression that Kennedy fully intended to match his strong rhetoric with action according to Burman (1991 112).  This incident placed America and his administration into the gravity of greater confrontation with USSR.

In the face of this unsuccessful invasion, Kennedy openly recognized his shortcoming over the incident by taking full responsibility of his action.  He ventured into various approaches to amend the possible consequence of that action in the future of America. As stated, In time, he came to regard the Bay of Pigs as an object lesson in the need for a president to have firm operational control during international crises (John F. Kennedy). His diplomatic approach in dealing with this issue was very significant in the countrys status as the world hegemony. In effect, U.S. foreign policy applied in Cuba may be summarized as confrontational and aggressive from its execution up to its failure specifically, the decisiveness of Kennedy in overthrowing Castros administration and his outright acknowledgment of his erroneous action.

In particular, Kennedys foreign policy over Cuba has direct connection to his past experience and his personality. Valenty and Feldman in their analysis of personality and behavior political leaders in relation to their decision-making concluded that personality is a determinant of leadership style (2002 xvi). Accordingly, they mentioned that Kennedy was dramatic and compulsive and at the same time dominant the latter which is the secondary personality trait operated as balancing influences to his primary leadership style (Valenty  Feldman, 2002 xvii). To explain further, Kennedys dramatic and charismatic characteristic as manifested by his boldness, risk-taking, and adventure (2002 163) was significant in the portrayal of their familys political status. On the other hand, Kennedys dominant character was developed from his childhood experience it is said that his disciplinarian father influenced his sense of individuality and firmness while his interest in politics was instilled by his mother and father. Kennedys long time struggle with fatal ailments was developed further his psychological make-up (Valenty  Feldman, 2002 165). Valenty and Feldman emphasized that Kennedys concept of himself as a powerful figure was the result of his struggle to be acceptable and full member of his family by rejecting the idea that he was sickly and weak (2002 167).

His personality was clearly observed in his affair with Bay Pigs. He was entirely dynamic in his speech and decision-making while his dramatic and charismatic personality was portrayed in his ability to  accept blame for his errors and failures (Valenty  Feldman, 2002 174).