What was a trend observed in the management of U.S. foreign policy in the early 1960s?

In the early 1960s, a significant trend in the management of U.S. foreign policy was the dominance of presidential control. During this period, particularly under President John F. Kennedy, the executive branch took on a central and assertive role in directing foreign policy. The Cold War context, which included events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, heightened the necessity for swift and decisive action, which the executive branch was positioned to deliver. This scenario allowed presidents to largely dictate foreign policy without significant interference from Congress.

The concentration of power in the presidency was facilitated by various factors, including the perceived need for quick responses to global threats and the overarching imperative to safeguard national security. As a result, presidents often operated with a level of autonomy that allowed them to shape foreign policy initiatives independently, diminishing the influence of Congress at that time.