sort of meritocracy, a societal system administered by
educated elites for the common good rather than one
dependent on democracies fickleness. (Issacson and Thomas
1986)
Kennan puts his faith in proven civilizations and
institutions that cement nations and act as bulwarks
against tyranny.
The liberalism and Christianity of
Western Civilization are institutions of moral and
strategic importance.
In “The Sources of Soviet Conduct”
he cites the strategic importance of Western
Civilization’s/America’s traditions.
He writes:
The issue of Soviet-American relations is in essence a
test of the over-all worth of the United States as a
nation among nations.
To avoid destruction the United
States need only measure up to its own best traditions
and prove itself worthy of preservation as a great
nation. (Kennan 1984)
Although he has little faith in democracy, Kennan believes
Western liberalism’s emphasis on individual freedom is
morally and politically superior to Oriental despotism.
Kennan, personally a devoutly religious man, likewise sees
the stabilizing influence of Christianity. As both a
religion and an institution, Christianity helps define
Western ethics.
Christian virtues instill a sense of
restraint that less moderate non-Christian societies lack.
Convention