John F Kennedy Statesmanship Essay

What is the role of statesmanship in a functioning democracy? What normative values and mores influence of our perception of statesmen? How can political theorists distinguish between politicians and public servants? In his seminal work, Profiles in Courage, then-Senator John F. Kennedy (D-MA) articulates a vision of conscientious statesmanship using the historical narratives of Senators who exercised courageous leadership during their time in Congress. Moreover, Kennedy explores how the role of conscience, political risk, and ethical judgment shape the ethos of statesmanship. Throughout his book, he voices a clarion call for pragmatic and principled leadership. Nevertheless, James MacGregor Burns also advances a grand theory of (transformational) leadership built on empirical evidence. In Burns view, the reform leader demonstrates the critical compacity to govern with the interests of the public-good and his own ethical conduct at the center of his

What qualities and characteristics produce a strong, conscientious leader? “[John Quincy Adams] is clear in seeing general truths, active, unresting, fond of inquiry and debate, but penetrated by a shrewd common sense. He had a tenacity of purpose, a lofty and inflexible courage, an unbending will, which never qualified or flinched before a human antagonist." Throughout his book, John F. Kennedy enumerates the normative values that shape our views of statesmanship. Additionally, he draws an important theoretical distinction between a statesman and a politician. For Kennedy, a statesman is committed to truth, ethical discussion, and a self-directed sense of purpose. Meanwhile, a politician is concerned with votes, favorability ratings, and political recognition—these are the values a politician holds in high