GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. – Dr. Jason K. Duncan, Chair of the Aquinas College history department, has published a book on John F. Kennedy: John F. Kennedy: The Spirit of Cold War Liberalism.

As the 50th anniversary of JFK’s death is observed, the public interest in his death seems as strong as ever. In his book, Duncan explains Kennedy’s significance as a political figure of the 20th century in U.S. and world history and contextualizes Kennedy’s political career through his personal life, addressing the legacy the president left behind.

“Part of the reason the nation, and the world, reacted so strongly to Kennedy’s death was that in his third year in office he was becoming a more confident leader”, Dr. Duncan states. “Cold War tensions between the US and the Soviets increased in the first two years of his administration reaching a peak with the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. After that, however, he and the Soviet leadership successfully negotiated the first arms control agreement of the Cold War. He also inspired Americans to join the Peace Corp, and after hesitating two years on the defining domestic issue of civil rights, Kennedy in 1963 put the full weight of his presidency behind ending legal segregation once and for all.” Duncan adds, “It was in the midst of this optimism that Kennedy was struck down. His death left a stunned and saddened nation with much of the world joining the grief.”

Dr. Duncan will be speaking about his book on Wednesday, December 4 at 7 p.m. His speaking engagement and book signing are part of The Hauenstein Center speaker series and will take place at the Loosemore Auditorium on the downtown campus of Grand Valley State University.

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