Walt Whitman Rostow, American economist; 7th United States National Security Advisor (b. 1916)

Walt Whitman Rostow (October 7, 1916 – February 13, 2003) was a highly influential American economist, esteemed professor, and prominent political theorist whose career significantly shaped United States foreign policy during the Cold War era. Born in New York City, Rostow was a prodigious intellect, earning his Ph.D. from Yale University at the remarkably young age of 23. His academic prowess quickly translated into public service, marking him as a key figure in both economic thought and national security strategy for several decades.

Early Public Service and the "New Frontier"

Rostow's journey into government service began during World War II, where he served with distinction in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). The OSS was the precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), responsible for intelligence gathering, espionage, and unconventional warfare. His work in the OSS provided him with critical experience in international relations and strategic analysis, which would prove invaluable in his later roles.

Following his wartime contributions, Rostow transitioned into a significant advisory role for John F. Kennedy. During Kennedy's presidential campaign and subsequent administration, Rostow served as a foreign policy adviser and speechwriter. He is widely credited with penning parts of Kennedy's iconic "New Frontier" speech, delivered during his acceptance of the Democratic presidential nomination in July 1960. The "New Frontier" concept symbolized a call to action for Americans, urging them to tackle challenges both at home – such as poverty, prejudice, and economic stagnation – and abroad, particularly in the realm of international development and the space race. This vision underscored a period of ambitious social and economic reforms, emphasizing innovation and progress.

The Stages of Economic Growth: A Non-Communist Manifesto

A cornerstone of Walt Rostow's academic legacy is his seminal 1960 book, The Stages of Economic Growth: A Non-Communist Manifesto. This groundbreaking work presented a linear, five-stage model of economic development:

• Traditional Society: Characterized by subsistence agriculture and limited technology.
• Preconditions for Take-off: Investment in infrastructure and education begins, laying the groundwork for industrialization.
• Take-off: Rapid industrial growth and the emergence of leading sectors.
• Drive to Maturity: Diversification of the economy and sustained growth.
• Age of High Mass Consumption: A period of widespread affluence and consumerism.

Rostow’s theory offered a compelling alternative to Marxist interpretations of historical development, providing a capitalist framework for how nations could achieve prosperity. It posited that with appropriate economic policies and foreign assistance, developing nations could progress through these stages, thereby offering a strategic counter-narrative to the appeal of communism during the intense ideological battle of the Cold War. Both the Kennedy and Johnson administrations eagerly embraced Rostow's theories, viewing them as a practical blueprint for fostering economic growth and stability in newly independent nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, thereby attempting to stem the tide of communist expansion.

National Security Advisor and the Vietnam War

Walt Rostow's influence reached its zenith during his tenure as National Security Advisor to President Lyndon B. Johnson from 1966 to 1969. In this pivotal role, he became a central architect of U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning Southeast Asia. A staunch anti-communist, Rostow firmly believed in the superior efficacy of capitalism and free enterprise as pathways to national development and stability. This conviction, coupled with a deep commitment to containing communism, made him a vocal and unwavering proponent of U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War. He maintained that the war was a vital struggle against communist aggression and essential for the security of the free world, often advocating for increased military pressure and sustained commitment.

Legacy and Post-Government Career

Even after his retirement from government service, Walt Rostow never publicly expressed regret or offered an apology for his role and actions regarding the Vietnam War. This unyielding stance, while consistent with his convictions, effectively led to his ostracization from many of the top-tier American universities that were becoming increasingly critical of U.S. involvement in the conflict. Instead, Rostow found a new academic home at the University of Texas at Austin, where he served as a professor of economics and history for over two decades until his passing in 2003, continuing to write and teach.

Interestingly, public service ran in the Rostow family. His elder brother, Eugene Rostow, also held several high-profile government foreign policy posts, including Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs during the Johnson administration, further cementing the family's significant, albeit often controversial, impact on American international relations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Walt Whitman Rostow

What was Walt Whitman Rostow's primary contribution to economics?

Rostow is best known for his "Stages of Economic Growth" theory, outlined in his 1960 book, The Stages of Economic Growth: A Non-Communist Manifesto. This theory proposed a five-stage model through which countries develop economically, offering a capitalist alternative to Marxist development models.

How did Rostow influence U.S. foreign policy?

As National Security Advisor to President Lyndon B. Johnson, Rostow was a key architect of U.S. foreign policy in Southeast Asia during the 1960s. His anti-communist beliefs and faith in capitalism strongly informed his robust support for U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, and his economic theories were utilized to counter the spread of communism globally.

What was the significance of the "New Frontier" speech written by Rostow for JFK?

The "New Frontier" speech, for which Rostow is often credited with contributing, became a defining moment for John F. Kennedy's presidency. It called upon Americans to confront challenges both domestically (like poverty and prejudice) and internationally (like the Cold War and the space race), symbolizing a period of ambitious national renewal and progress.

Why was Rostow ostracized from some academic circles after his government service?

Rostow's steadfast refusal to express regret or apologize for his role in the Vietnam War, particularly his strong advocacy for U.S. military intervention, led to his being shunned by many prominent American universities that had become critical of the war. He subsequently took a position at the University of Texas at Austin.