JOURNAL ARTICLE

The Fog of McNamara: An Anatomy of Failure in Vietnam.

  • Published In: Foreign Affairs, 2026, v. 105, n. 1. P. 166 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: LOGEVALL, FREDRIK 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the book "McNamara at War," which provides a detailed account of Robert McNamara's role as U.S. Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War. It recounts a notable incident in November 1966 when McNamara faced student protests at Harvard, reflecting the growing discontent with the war. The authors explore McNamara's internal conflicts regarding the war's progress and his public stance, highlighting his initial support for military escalation despite private doubts about its effectiveness. The narrative emphasizes the complexities of McNamara's character and decisions, ultimately portraying him as a figure grappling with the consequences of his actions and the lessons learned from the Vietnam experience. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Foreign Affairs. 2026/01, Vol. 105, Issue 1, p166
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0015-7120
  • Accession Number:190321848
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