Flashpoints in superpower relations, 1979-84

Question 1

Why was the Soviet Union interested in Afghanistan?

Answer 1

It acted as a buffer between Iran, whose govt was now led by a Muslim fundamentalist, and Moscow, since the Soviet Union did not want Muslim fundamentalism to spread.

Question 2

Build-up to the invasion

Answer 2

1. Pro-Soviet govt takes control of Afghanistan and receives support from Moscow.
2. Govt toppled by Amin, who was supported by Moscow at first, but didn’t after it became unpopular.
3. Invaded after it was rumoured that Amin was asking USA for support.
4. Assassinated Amin and placed pro-Soviet Babrak Kamal as leader.

Question 3

The American reaction

Answer 3

USA saw this as the Soviet Union trying to spread communism, so Carter withdrew SALT 2 and increased spending on arms to repel by force if necessary, which became known as the Carter doctrine. He also imposed economic sanctions and sent weapons to the Afghan soldiers.

Question 4

The impact of the invasion on USA-Soviet relations

Answer 4

Détente was already breaking and the invasion was the last straw for the USA who already did not trust the Soviet Union.

Question 5

The Olympic boycotts

Answer 5

1980 - USA and 60 other nations did not attend the Moscow Olympics which Brezhnev wanted to advertise communism in.
1984 - Soviet Union and 15 communist countries dis not attend the Los Angeles Olympics in retaliation.

Question 6

Reagan’s policies

Answer 6

President Reagan took a tougher approach to the Soviet Union, which led to a period of sour relations known as the ‘Second Cold War’. He made his views clear by:

• describing the Soviet Union as an ‘evil empire’ in a speech
• inreasing spending on arms
• announcing the Reagan doctrine - support would be provided to anti-communist govts and those trying to topple communist govts

Question 7

The Strategic Defense Initiative

Answer 7

Reagan announced a new policy involving placing a series of satellites in orbit that would carry powerful lasers capable of shooting down Soviet missiles. This was against the Outer Space Treaty terms, so Reagan spoke of it as a reality when it wasn’t.
The Soviet Union spent lots of money to catch up therefore, but could not find enough since their economy was already in disrepair.