The Use and Misuse of History: What Should We Learn From the Korean War?

The article discusses the use and misuse of history in understanding the Korean War and its implications for current events. It argues that policymakers often draw incorrect lessons from historical events, leading to misguided policies. The article also highlights the importance of considering diverse perspectives and primary sources when studying historical cases. It critiques a recent Foreign Affairs article for misreading the intentions of the adversaries of the United States during the Korean War. The article concludes by examining the current Chinese Communist Party's narrative of the Korean War and suggests that it reflects the regime's insecurity rather than a readiness for war. [Extracted from the article]

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