All the president's wise men: An analysis of Lyndon Johnson's informal Vietnam advisory networks
Gabrielle D Gurley, Boston College

Date: 2003

Abstract

To enhance his credibility in international affairs on the eve of the 1964 presidential election, Lyndon B. Johnson secured the support of a select cohort of elder statesmen and prominent citizens who became known as the "Wise Men." Why did Johnson, who was surrounded by talented, crisis-tested advisors, turn to informal advisory networks for counsel about the Vietnam War before escalation in 1965 and de-escalation in 1968? This study argues that during crises informal advisory networks may complement the presidential deliberations if the outside advisors receive timely and balanced information regarding critical developments. All the President's Wise Men illustrates the benefits and drawbacks of informal presidential advisory networks and furnishes an important assessment of the Wise Men's influences on the Johnson administration's Vietnam policies.

Subject Area