Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

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This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.

Welcome to a conversation on "The Quest for Peace." I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our guest today is Norman Cousins, Professor of Medical Humanities at the UCLA School of Medicine. For more than a quarter of a century Mr. Cousins was editor of the Saturday Review, which expanded in readership from 15,000 to 650,000 during his tenure, and became a leading American weekly of ideas and arts. In 1971 Mr. Cousins received the UN Peace Medal. Mr. Cousins is the author of 16 books, ranging from political philosophy to doctor - patient relations. All of his books deal with the health of man and the health of his society.

1. The Dropping of the Atomic Bomb ... Cousins' reactions as editor of the Saturday Review ... Truman's decision ... U.S. strategy toward the Soviet Union ... a superior weapon or a symbol of a new age?
2. Political Leaders and Public Opinion ... political pressures ... short-term thinking ... Eisenhower as President ... his foresight ... his last days of office ... limits of presidential power ... the importance of a mobilized public
3. Kennedy and Khrushchev ... pressures on JFK ...concern about strontium 90 ... Kennedy's concerns ... pressures on Khrushchev ... Kennedy's American University speech
4. The Peace Movement ... decline ... rebirth ... misperception in U.S. - U.S.S.R. relationship
5. Conclusion: The Responsibility of the Individual

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