The Nuclear Predicament: Explorations in Soviet Ideology

The paper explores how Soviet writers grapple with the challenge of nuclear war, examining the relationship between peace, socialism, the arms race, capitalism, and history. It shows that the range of permissible views is wider than assumed and that Soviet ideology does not exclude evolution towards a more cooperative approach to international security.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 134 pages
Publication date: 04 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Ideological debate plays a significant role in shaping Soviet policy-making, drawing from a rich intellectual background. Originally published in 1987, this paper delves into the complex interplay between Soviet writers and the formidable challenge posed by the threat of nuclear war. It explores fundamental questions such as the relationship between the values of peace and socialism, the driving force behind the arms race, and the possibility of a demilitarized capitalism. The paper challenges the notion that history is predetermined and argues that the range of permissible views is broader than commonly assumed. It demonstrates that Soviet ideology does not preclude the possibility of evolution towards a more cooperative approach to international security.

The threat of nuclear war posed a significant challenge to the Soviet ideology, which emphasized the importance of peace and socialism. Soviet writers grappled with the complex relationship between these values and the arms race. Some argued that capitalism was inherently militaristic, while others believed that a demilitarized capitalism was conceivable. The paper explored the idea that the outcome of history was not predetermined, but rather shaped by human actions and decisions.

Despite the constraints of Soviet ideology, the paper showed that there was room for evolution towards a more cooperative approach to international security. The Soviet Union, under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev, began to pursue diplomacy and arms control agreements with the United States and other countries. This shift in policy was driven by a recognition of the dangers of nuclear war and the need for a more peaceful and stable world.

The paper also discussed the role of ideology in shaping Soviet foreign policy. While the Soviet leadership emphasized the importance of socialist ideals, they were also pragmatic in their approach to international relations. They recognized the need to adapt to changing circumstances and to engage with other countries on a basis of mutual benefit.

In conclusion, the ideological debate is a crucial component of the intellectual background to Soviet policy-making. This paper explores how Soviet writers grappled with the challenge posed by the threat of nuclear war and the broader questions of peace, socialism, and the future of history. It demonstrates that the range of permissible views is broader than often assumed and that the constraints of Soviet ideology do not preclude the possibility of evolution towards a more cooperative approach to international security.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367543273