British Academy: The UK's National Academy for the Humanities and Social Sciences
The British Academy, 10 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1
Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May 2005
A series of events convened by Professor Lawrence Freedman, FBA, King's College London and Dr Jon Roper Department of American Studies, University of Wales, Swansea
ABOUT THIS EVENT | PROGRAMME
Vietnam is a war that in its aftermath still shapes America. As a cultural reference point for a generation, its impact is felt in many different contexts. The 30th anniversary of its ending provides an opportunity to explore the ways in which it influences American politics, culture and society. Vietnam contributed to the collapse of the 'Imperial Presidency', precipitating a crisis in national self-confidence and a breakdown in political consensus out of which new ideological perspectives - including neo-conservatism - emerged. It also gave rise to the 'Vietnam Syndrome'. Initially seen as a restraint, for some this soon became a constraint on the President's freedom of action in foreign policy. It was a psychological condition to be 'overcome' through a process of historical and cultural revisionism and also by demonstrating that American military power could be used successfully overseas. This colloquium, which brings together cultural commentators and academics from both sides of the Atlantic, will offer some fresh perspectives on a defining event in 'the American Century', examining not only its historical and political significance but also its continuing contemporary relevance.
The keynote address will be given by Jonathan Schell (The Nation Institute, New York). Conference speakers include H. Bruce Franklin (Rutgers University), Philip Melling (University of Wales, Swansea), Larry Berman (Washington Center, University of California ) and John Mueller (Ohio University).