(1888 - 1959) US diplomat and secretary of state (1953 - 1959). His policy was that of "brinkmanship" (pursuing a hazardous course of action to the edge of catastrophe, such as "to the brink of war"), and in his own words: "The ability to get to the verge without getting into the war is the necessary art." He also encouraged the development of nuclear weapons capable of "massive retaliation." —ClearingCongress No. 1NThe Fact of Clearing Approved Glossary