Metaphors In The Vietnam War

In conditions of uncertainty, decision-makers use devices to simplify the issues in attempts to reduce and make uncertainty bearable. During the Cold War, United States leadership relied on metaphors for the development of a strategy. Metaphors as the base of strategy are ineffective, and nothing better reveals the failure of metaphors than the Vietnam War. The use of metaphors to reduce uncertainty was what led to the failed United States strategy in Vietnam. Jerome Slater outlines how metaphors domino theory shows the structuring of the United States strategy towards Vietnam. Slater shows the reliance on metaphors, and simplification does not lead to sound strategy. Vietnam proves the failure of metaphors to capture state actions. The first assumption was the all revolutions were external, and the outpouring of Soviet aggression. It was the except reaction to Vietnam, the idea North Vietnam was just Soviet puppets not actors in their own states. In viewing the revolutions as external forces meant that the United States must meet every revolution to hold back Soviet aggression. The assumption centers on appeasement and unchecks Nazi

It meant that if Vietnam fall then other countries in the region would fall to communism as well. Stressing the need for the United States involvement everywhere, and there is no telling where things are going to end or if anything the United States is involved in will truly make things better. The assumption gives a plan in case of uncertainty, allowing for the comfort in a simple plan. The idea to reduce, and control uncertain. Not only do policymakers have a plan, but in a democracy, explanation of the foreign policy to the people. Ultimately, there is United States involvement in regions that are not virtual. There was no difference between communism or nationalism, which was a driving force of revolution in the