Definition

Proper noun * John Foster Dulles: A United States diplomat who served as Secretary of State from 1953 to 1959. He is historically noted for his staunch anti-communist foreign policy during the early Cold War, particularly his advocacy for a strategy of containing the Soviet Union by providing military and economic aid to American allies.

Usage

• As a proper noun (name): The word is used exclusively as a proper noun to refer to the historical figure.
  • Dulles was a key architect of Cold War foreign policy.
  • The doctrine associated with Dulles emphasized the threat of massive retaliation.

Advanced Usage

• In historical/political context: The name is often used metonymically to refer to the specific foreign policy doctrines and era associated with him.
  • Scholars debate the effectiveness of the Dulles era's brinkmanship.
  • His approach is sometimes called the Dulles philosophy.

Variants and Related Words

• Dullesian (adjective): Pertaining to or characteristic of the policies or ideas of John Foster Dulles.
  • The speech had a distinctly Dullesian tone of moral opposition to communism.
• Washington Dulles International Airport: A major international airport named in his honor, often shortened to "Dulles Airport" or "Dulles."
  • Her flight arrives at Dulles this evening.

Synonyms

• Statesman
• Diplomat
• Secretary of State (when referring to his specific role)

Related Terms and Phrases

• Massive retaliation: A Cold War military strategy associated with Dulles, which promised a severe response to aggression.
• Brinkmanship: The practice of pushing a dangerous situation to the limit to secure an advantage, a tactic associated with his diplomatic style.
• Cold War warrior: A term often used to describe his vigorous anti-communist stance.

Noun

1. United States diplomat who (as Secretary of State) pursued a policy of opposition to the USSR by providing aid to American allies (1888-1959)