| dc.description.abstract | The development of U.S. foreign policy doctrine is a very complex and highly dynamic process. The Department of State is an integral part of these proceedings. Considered to be the experts in international affairs, it is their duty to "promote the long-range security and well-being of the United States.”
There exists within the State Department a group of officials known as the "Seventh Floor." It is composed of the top-level policy making officials in the Department. Thomas Estes and E. Lightner, Jr., authors of The Department of State, describe them as being "the power center of the Department of State.” Its members include the secretary, deputy secretary, three under secretaries, deputy under secretary, and the State Department counselor.
Being the center of decision making in the Department, the Seventh Floor possesses a great deal of potential to influence U.S. foreign affairs. While true, the issue is not as simple as this. Many extraneous factors exist affecting the Seventh Floor's efforts. How much authority the president wants to give them, who is appointed to the particular Seventh Floor posts, and a host of other variables must be considered.
The period between 1961-1976 provides an excellent case in point. In fifteen years, the United States pursued two diverging foreign policy strategies: containment followed by detente. By examining U.S. foreign policy between 1961-1976, it is hoped important oberserivations can be made outlining the Seventh Floor's role in U.S. foreign affairs; and its relationship with the other actors in the policy making process. | en |
