ChinaTalk The Soviet Cold War Machine: Inside the Sino-Soviet Rivalry
Apr 1, 2025
In this thought-provoking discussion, Sergey Radchenko, a prominent expert on Cold War history, dives into the tumultuous Sino-Soviet rivalry. He explores Khrushchev's ousting and Brezhnev's rise, revealing how Vietnam shaped their relations. Radchenko also discusses the surprising Sino-American rapprochement during Nixon's era and the implications of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. He draws parallels between past and present leadership ambitions, ultimately reflecting on how these historical dynamics inform current U.S. strategies towards China and Russia.
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Red Guard Embassy Siege
- Brezhnev's negative view of China during the Cultural Revolution was fueled by reports of Red Guards besieging the Soviet embassy.
- They even built a platform to hang the ambassador, canceled only at the last minute by Zhou Enlai.
Khrushchev's Waning Optimism
- Khrushchev's optimism about Soviet progress stemmed from achievements like Sputnik and economic growth.
- This optimism declined as economic realities worsened, including grain imports and the realization that communism wasn't imminent.
Brezhnev's Pursuit of Greatness
- Brezhnev sought external validation of Soviet greatness through US recognition to compensate for internal economic failures.
- This desire manifested in his pursuit of détente with Nixon, aiming for a US-Soviet condominium to "run the world."