Unveiling the layers of JFK’s ‘Think Tank’
by Dr B.J.C.Perera
Specialist Consultant Paediatrician and Honorary Senior Fellow,
Postgraduate Institute of Medicine,
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy or JFK was the 35th President of the United States of America. He served as President from 20th January 1961, until his assassination on 22nd November 1963. Though his presidency lasted only a short time, President Kennedy’s administration was known for innovation, intellect, and a fervent commitment to progress. It consisted of a paradigm shift of the traditional qualities of the then-prevalent American way of running a country.
Central to his governance was the establishment of a ‘Think Tank’; a supremely dynamic hub of intellectual exchanges and policy formulation, working at the highest levels possible. This article attempts to delve into the multifaceted aspects and workings of Kennedy’s ‘Think Tank’, exploring its composition, objectives, methods, and lasting impact on American governance, as well as global affairs.
Kennedy’s ‘Think Tank’ was a heterogeneous collective of brilliant minds from various disciplines, including, but not restricted to, academia, industry, government, and the military. Comprising of economists, scientists, researchers, strategists, and policymakers, the ‘Think Tank’ brought together diverse perspectives to tackle complex challenges facing the nation. Notable members included Robert McNamara, McGeorge Bundy, Walt Rostow, and Theodore Sorensen, among many others who were most capable persons in their own right.
Their collective expertise spanned fields such as economics, defence, imports and exports, foreign policy, health, and social welfare, just to mention a few, clearly reflecting Kennedy’s vision for a comprehensive approach to governance. There was no limit to a fixed number of people who worked in the ‘Think Tank’. Kennedy often consulted with a wide range of experts and scholars on specific issues, drawing upon their expertise to facilitate policymaking and decision-making processes.
The composition of the ‘Think Tank’ evolved, with different individuals contributing to various initiatives and policy discussions throughout Kennedy’s presidency. Instead of focusing solely on IQ, Kennedy most likely valued a diverse range of skills, experience, and perspectives among his advisors and intellectuals to facilitate robust policy discussions and decision-making processes. At its core, Kennedy’s ‘Think Tank’ aimed to foster innovative solutions to pressing domestic and international issues.
Whether confronting the Cold War, advancing civil rights, or spurring economic growth, the ‘Think Tank’ served as a crucible for bold ideas, minute dissection of the possibilities and provision of advice on pragmatic policies. Kennedy envisioned it as a catalyst for change, a forum where rigorous analysis and creative thinking could inform the best processes of decision-making at the highest levels of government. Beyond mere problem-solving, the ‘Think Tank’ sought to shape long-term strategies that aligned with Kennedy’s vision of a more prosperous, just, and secure future.
A true-to-life analysis of the methods employed within Kennedy’s ‘Think Tank’ were many determinations characterised by rigour, honesty, non-partisan evaluations, collaboration, and forward-thinking. Regular meetings, brainstorming sessions, and policy workshops facilitated lively debate and the exchange of ideas. Members of the initiative drew upon empirical research, economic modelling, and geopolitical analysis to put forward their recommendations.
Moreover, Kennedy encouraged a culture of experimentation and even a bit of risk-taking, urging his advisors to explore unconventional approaches and thereby challenge conventional wisdom. This dynamic environment fostered a spirit of innovation that propelled the administration’s agenda forward.
Kennedy’s ‘Think Tank’ played a pivotal role in shaping several landmark initiatives and policies during his presidency. In the realm of national security, the Cuban Missile Crisis stands as a testament to the ‘Think Tank’s’ strategic acumen, as advisors navigated the treacherous waters of nuclear brinkmanship with prudence and resolve. Domestically, the ‘Think Tank’ contributed to the formulation of legislative initiatives such as the New Frontier, which aimed to stimulate economic growth, expand access to healthcare and education, and promote civil rights.
Furthermore, Kennedy’s ‘Think Tank’ spearheaded efforts to revitalize American diplomacy and bolster alliances abroad, laying the groundwork for initiatives such as the Alliance for Progress and the Peace Corps.
While Kennedy’s presidency was tragically cut short, the legacy of his ‘Think Tank’ endures as a testament to the power of visionary leadership and collaborative governance. Many of the policies and initiatives championed by the ‘Think Tank’ continue to shape the trajectory of American politics and global affairs, even to this day. Moreover, Kennedy’s emphasis on intellectual curiosity, unbridled honesty, strategic foresight, and moral clarity and transparency continue to inspire future generations of leaders to confront the challenges of their time with courage and conviction.
In an era marked by uncertainty and complexity, the enduring legacy of Kennedy’s ‘Think Tank’ serves as a beacon of hope, as well as wonder, and a reminder of the transformative potential of courageous and innovative ideas, implemented by collective action. John Fitzgerald Kennedy was an extremely strong statesman. However, little did many people realise that such strength emanated from a proper appraisal of even the most complex of problems, ably assisted by that unique ‘Think Tank’ of his. That proven oasis of splendour was the one that facilitated the best brains of the USA to work steadfastly and backstage on every issue that President JFK had to deal with.
President John F. Kennedy’s ‘Think Tank’ represented a bold experiment in governance, harnessing the supreme power of a combination of intellect and collaboration to confront the pressing challenges of its time. Through its diverse composition, innovative methods, and far-reaching impact, the ‘Think Tank’ left an indelible mark on American politics and global affairs. As we reflect on its legacy, we are reminded of the enduring importance of visionary leadership, rigorous analysis, and principled decision-making, in shaping a brighter future for generations to come, in a country where a person of the calibre of JKH was the Head of State.
There is a reflection as a thoughtful postscript to this article. As far as we are aware, over the last 76 years following our independence, no Sri Lankan Head of State has even thought of using such a ‘Think Tank’ formulated and assembled using the best independent brains and self-regulating strategists of our Motherland.
Traditionally, their advisors have consisted of a conglomerate of ‘yes’ persons, colloquially referred to as henchmen and henchwomen, who would not even dream of calling a spade, just what it is; a spade. The Heads of State, both male and female, have generally thought that they knew anything and everything. Such traits are the ones that fit in ruthlessly and quite significantly to the distinctive lexicon of lesser mortals. Many of them have had even more than a sprinkling of autocratic and steam-rolling behaviour with high-decibel value retorts to those who even vaguely disagreed. One has only to look at the way things have panned out in the United States of America and our so-called Paradise Isle, over the period from the early 1960s, to get a glimpse of the way things have progressed in the two countries. Need we say more?
The author acknowledges assistance from AI in writing this article.
