Russian Roulette Lessons from Soviet Foreign Policy with Sergey Radchenko
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Feb 6, 2025 Historian Sergey Radchenko, a distinguished professor at Johns Hopkins, explores Soviet foreign policy and its modern implications. He shares insights from his book on the Kremlin's Cold War strategies. The discussion reveals how the quest for international prestige shaped Soviet actions and continues to impact Russia's global stance today. Radchenko delves into the evolving Sino-Soviet relationship, highlighting its historical complexities and relevance to current events like the Ukraine invasion. This rich conversation connects past and present in international relations.
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Soviet Focus on External Recognition
- The Soviets prioritized external recognition of their greatness during the Cold War, especially as domestic legitimacy declined.
- This desire for recognition drove their foreign policy from Stalin to Gorbachev and arguably continues to influence Russia today.
The Tragedy of Soviet Foreign Policy
- The desire for recognition and greatness is a universal human trait, not unique to any one country.
- However, the Soviets' ambitions consistently exceeded their means, creating a tragic gap.
Raskolnikov Analogy
- Radchenko compares Soviet leaders to Raskolnikov in Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, who rationalized his actions by believing he had the right.
- This analogy highlights the Soviets' belief in their right to act despite lacking the means, leading to tragedy.
