A fascinating slice of history.
Of course he neglects to mention that Armand Hammer was an agent of the Soviet Union . . . but, there still may be some truth in the idea that the 1960 visit led to a change in perspective of Gorbachev, who was attempting to insert elements of private ownership in the collective farms way before becoming leader of the USSR.
I like Young’s observation that oil company executive have FAR MORE EXPERIENCE in foreign affairs than the typical State Department diplomats.
Agreed. Young's statement may be one of the most reasonable thinga he has said during his public career. In fact, given his political inclinations the statement could be viewed as an admission if not an awakening:
Statecraft has a tendency to be moralistic. Business is more pragmatic, seeking mutual self-interest rather than arguing absolutes of right or wrong.