Robert Beckel Oral History

Robert Beckel discusses his recruitment to the State Department, passing the Panama Canal treaties, and working with Congress. He addresses the administration’s misreading of public sentiment on national security and defense; Carter’s attempts to increase the defense budget; the SALT (Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty) negotiations; the influence of Zbigniew Brzezinski and Henry Owen; Carter’s leadership style; nuclear proliferation; foreign aid; staff changes at Camp David, the public relations consequences, and the need to focus on the substance of Carter’s achievements. He concludes by highlighting Carter’s vision on energy, human rights, and international trade.

Participants
David Clinton
Joseph Devaney
Lowell Gustafson
David Shannon
Robert A. Strong
Kenneth W. Thompson
James S. Young, chair