John F. Kennedy's presidency (1961–1963) coincided with one of the most turbulent periods of the Cold War, marked not only by superpower rivalry but also by a global struggle of ideas and values. This study goes beyond traditional narratives that merely recount the crises of the era, examining Kennedy's foreign policy from a perspective of "moral realism" and arguing that his leadership blended the strategic calculations of classical realism with an ethical dimension aimed at preserving peace. Kennedy's responses to critical Cold War conflicts such as the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Berlin Crisis, and the Cuban Missile Crisis reveal a sophisticated model of crisis management that blended deterrence, diplomacy, and controlled escalation. Simultaneously, initiatives like the Peace Corps and the Alliance for Progress represent an innovative use of soft power that complemented traditional containment policies, demonstrating a broader vision that extended beyond mere power politics. This article combines realist theory with archival findings and Kennedy's rhetoric to reassess his strategic approach as a hybrid doctrine still relevant in contemporary international relations. The study's contribution lies in framing Kennedy's foreign policy as an early expression of a dual-pronged strategy in which moral leadership and geopolitical pragmatism operated together.
Furkan Kaya (Sun,) studied this question.