This analysis of US policy toward Indonesian nationalism argues that Truman's support for independence was based on his Cold War priorities and not principled backing for self-determination. It reveals how Eisenhower's New Look led to a disastrous CIA-backed intervention in 1957-58 and propelled Indonesia toward the Soviet bloc. Exposing the extent of Australian influence on US policy, this account reveals how the personal prejudices of Eisenhower and John Foster Dulles undermined the notion of rational policymaking.

About the Author(s)

Andrew Roadnight

Andrew Roadnight is Research Assistant, University of Warwick.

Table of Contents

Washington Hides Behind the British (August 1945-November 1946) * The Dutch Agenda Prevails (December 1946-December 1948) * Washington Forces Independence (January-December 1949) * The US and Nationalism in Indonesia (January 1950-January 1953) * Relations on a Knife Edge (January 1953-December 1955) * From Diplomacy to Armed Intervention (January 1956-May 1958) * Picking up the Pieces (June 1958-January 1961)