This is an intellectually spectacular and original deconstruction of George Kennan's thought, employing techniques of modern philosophical and literary analysis combined with a sound knowledge of political events, an impressive book that defies easy categorization. In one sense the author's criticism is unfair because Kennan's "texts"-diplomatic dispatches, books and articles-were not written as formal philosophical thought; yet Mr. Stephanson forces the reader to ask hard questions about the contradictions and incoherence of diplomatic argument. Not for casual reading.