Preferred ToolsBoth states have certain tools they prefer to use, and one of them is secrecy. On the American side, spies, observation flights, and suppressed journalism were used to achieve American goals, and the Soviet Union did the same. The Soviet Union consistently denied placing offensive weapons in Cuba, then attempted to prevent the evidence from being revealed (although unsuccessfully). Secrecy is used by both States to force the other to certain actions by placing it in an unfavorable position. This tool is in line with the ideas of neorealism. Neorealism believes that the anarchic system in place “prevents governments from fully trusting each other.” Both in the film and in theory, such a feeling translates into secrecy. There can be no cooperation between the two countries on matters of international interest and any actions taken must be carried out without the knowledge of the other. Neorealism advocates the use of secrecy as a tool in international relations and this tool is depicted in the film. Both states also used diplomacy in a public and private forum. Publicly, the two men condemned each other at the UN, but the most important diplomacy took place in private. The two men interacted most meaningfully through secret telegrams and indirect negotiations, and it was through secret diplomacy that an agreement was reached. Once again, neorealism manifests itself as its ideas about international organizations are strengthened. For neorealists, international organizations exist and can be used, but they are not significant in situations of national interest or survival. The film depicts this concept because while the UN is used to try to gain public support, the use of force is necessary. Finally, Kennedy also believes in using international organizations. Before implementing the blockade, he ensured he had the support of the Organization of American States, then turned to the UN, where his delegate proved the legitimacy of American actions. This corresponds to liberal thinking, which believes in the strength of international institutions because “they clarify how and when [international rules] will be broken.” Kennedy used these institutions in this way, ensuring that other states knew that the Soviet Union had disobeyed international law and that the United States was behaving appropriately. In the film, Kennedy embodies the ideals of liberalism and constitutes an interesting counter to neorealism. One could argue either liberalism or neorealism for the film Thirteen Days, and both would be correct...