Deconstructing Soviet Foreign Policy: What It Wasn’t

The Soviet Union’s foreign policy during the Cold War was a complex and multifaceted subject. To better understand what it was not, we need to examine their fundamental principles, goals, and actions on the international stage.

Fundamental Principles of Soviet Foreign Policy

Soviet foreign policy was rooted in Marxist-Leninist ideology and national interests. Some core principles included:

• Supporting communist and national liberation movements: The USSR viewed supporting these movements globally as crucial in the fight against imperialism.
• Safeguarding national security: Following two devastating world wars, national security was paramount.
• Expanding global influence: The Soviet Union sought to expand its influence, competing with the US and its Western allies.

Main Goals of Soviet Foreign Policy

• Containing capitalism: The USSR considered capitalism exploitative and aimed to prevent its spread.
• Building the socialist bloc: The goal was to create a unified bloc of socialist nations to counter the West.
• Achieving global superpower status: The USSR competed with the US for global dominance.

The Soviet Union aimed for global influence

Actions Reflecting Soviet Foreign Policy

• Establishing the Warsaw Pact: To counter NATO, the USSR formed the Warsaw Pact, a military alliance of Eastern European socialist states.
• Military interventions: The USSR intervened militarily in Hungary (1956), Czechoslovakia (1968), and Afghanistan (1979) to maintain its influence.
• Supporting communist movements: The USSR provided military and economic aid to communist movements in Vietnam, Cuba, Angola, and elsewhere.

What Was NOT Soviet Foreign Policy?

Based on the above, we can identify policies that were not part of the Soviet Union’s foreign policy:

• Supporting imperialism: As a communist state, the USSR vehemently opposed imperialism as a form of exploitation.
• Unconditional cooperation with the West: Despite periods of détente, the USSR viewed the West as an ideological and geopolitical rival.
• Non-intervention in other nations’ affairs: Interventions in Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Afghanistan demonstrate a willingness to intervene to protect Soviet interests.

Conclusion

Soviet foreign policy during the Cold War was complex and often controversial. By analyzing its principles, goals, and actions, we can better understand what it was not. Studying this history is crucial for understanding the 20th century and the challenges facing the world today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did the USSR support communist movements globally?

The USSR viewed this support as vital in the fight against imperialism and for global socialism.

2. What was the USSR’s main goal during the Cold War?

The USSR aimed to contain capitalism, build the socialist bloc, and achieve global superpower status.

3. Did Soviet foreign policy change after Stalin’s death?

Yes, there were changes, particularly under Khrushchev, with a greater emphasis on “peaceful coexistence” with the West.

4. How did the USSR’s collapse impact global politics?

It ended the Cold War and created a new world order with the US as the sole superpower.

5. What lessons can be learned from Soviet foreign policy?

Studying it offers valuable lessons about international relations, the role of ideology, and the consequences of superpower conflict.

Learn More About…

• Vietnam’s Foreign Policy Since 1978
• What is the Carrot and Stick Policy?
• What Does Foreign Policy Encompass?

Contact Us!

Need assistance? Call us at 0968239999, email [email protected], or visit us at TT36 – CN9 Road, Tu Liem Industrial Park, Phuong Canh Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi. We have a 24/7 customer support team.