And They Talked : The Language of Crisis in the Kennedy–Khrushchev Communications During the Cuban Missile Crisis

This book focuses specifically on the origins, particularities, impact, and repercussions of the multifaceted political discourse, manifested during the Cuban missile crisis in October 1962.

This book focuses specifically on the origins, particularities, impact, and repercussions of the multifaceted political discourse, manifested during the Cuban missile crisis in October 1962. For the first time, based on the events of the dramatic “13 days” this book gives a comprehensive account of the numerous communicational challenges which came about in the interaction between political leaders and players of different rank. It's a book about the distinct communicational style of two extraordinary leaders – John Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev – explained in historical context, as a product of a concrete epoch, ideological upbringing, political beliefs and personal roots.  At the outset of the Cuban crisis concrete words were at the center of intense deliberations. Words were reviewed and analyzed as if under a microscope. Complementing the picture, they originated from ambassadors, close aides and friends, star reporters, businessmen, spies and even poets. This book draws a picture of how written and oral statements were influenced by country history, cultural backgrounds, individual values, the weight of the media and public opinion in society. Communications created trust, served personal ambitions, came from fear. They exposed the psychological complexes of both parties. With his extensive experience as a political analyst and communication expert, first-hand knowledge of the mindset of the principal participants in the events, the author gives an exciting account of the clash of political discourses and narratives based on civilizational preferences. This book invites a look at how communications can serve the resolution of conflicts today. For a wide range of scholars in history, political sciences, communications studies.