Carlucci Versus Kissinger
By (author) Bernardino Gomes, Tiago Moreira de Sá
Publication date:
16 August 2011Length of book:
278 pagesPublisher
Lexington BooksDimensions:
229x152mm6x9"
ISBN-13: 9780739168776
This book focuses on the United States' views and political actions in Portugal during the democratic transition, and should not be taken for a history of the Portuguese revolution. In other words, its aim is to evaluate the impact of American actions in the final outcome of the transition from an authoritarian regime to democracy in Portugal. To that end, extensive research was carried out during a four-year period, both in the US and in Portugal, privileging primary sources, especially American and Portuguese archival materials, many of which were previously unpublished.
This volume brings back memories of a long since supposedly settled issue on the views of Henry Kissinger and Frank Carlucci on how we handled a potential Communist takeover of Portugal's government by the Portuguese Communists and their international allies and supporters. Suffice it to say that the communists' attempt to put themselves in charge of a NATO ally would have led to serious problems for the Alliance. Suffice it to say as well, that thanks to the efforts of the other members of the alliance the Communist efforts to take over the government were thwarted. There is a certain degree of mythology over who crafted this victory of good over evil. In my view that is an irrelevant debate. What is important is that whether Frank Carlucci or Henry Kissinger is the architect of this victory, it was a victory that assured the continued strength of the NATO Alliance.