Fishel, Wesley R.
Wesley Fishel, an assistant professor of political science at Michigan State College in the 1950s, was the primary force behind the creation and direction of the MSUG. Fishel met the future president of the NRV, Ngô Đình Diệm, in the early 1950s in Japan. Fishel's personal relationship with Diệm led the latter to insist that Michigan State lead the USAID technical assistance program to the RVN in 1955. Although the program did not succeed in stabilizing the new state, Fishel remained an ardent supporter of the RVN and of the American military intervention there. His support for the RVN and the war made him a controversial figure in American academic during the later part of his career. The MSUG archives, which include Fishel's personal papers, offer insights into virtually all aspects of Fishel's worldview and professional activities.704 Records
