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School of War
Ep 123: Sergey Radchenko on Soviet Motivations in the Cold War
May 14, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Sergey Radchenko, a professor at Johns Hopkins and author of "To Run the World," analyzes Soviet motivations during the Cold War. He dives into how the USSR sought global recognition over ideology, using newly declassified documents to reshape our understanding of the era. The conversation also explores Stalin's quest for legitimacy and the complexities of Cold War détente, highlighting the stark contrasts between past and present attitudes towards nuclear weapons and the economic lessons for China from the Soviet experience.
49:32
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Quick takeaways
- The Soviet Union's Cold War strategies were fueled by a profound need for global recognition and legitimacy, influencing their decision-making significantly.
- Historical trauma from World War II deeply shaped Soviet leaders' cautious foreign policy approaches, notably their drive for peace and stability during the Cold War.
Deep dives
Soviet Motivations During the Cold War
The Soviet Union's objectives during the Cold War included not only survival and security but also a profound yearning for recognition and legitimacy on the global stage. Soviet leaders like Joseph Stalin and later Nikita Khrushchev sought acknowledgment of their power and place in the world, which influenced their decision-making. This quest for recognition drove Stalin's insistence on negotiating spheres of influence after World War II, reflecting a complex blend of power dynamics and the need for historical legitimacy. The examination of newly declassified documents reveals that striving for legitimacy underpinned Soviet behavior, emphasizing that ideological and security concerns were intertwined with ambitions for recognition in the international order.
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Discover
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