The economic factors' interpretation: an overall assessment

Question 1

What does this interpretation focus on?

Answer 1

A key structural factor, which had an important bearing on the superpowers’ ability to sustain their CW policies

Question 2

What is this approach particularly valuable in examining?

Answer 2

Soviet behaviour, bearing in mind how economic factors influence Gorbachev’s radically new approach to CW relations

Question 3

What was happening before Gorbachev came into power?

Answer 3

Soviet leaders continued with CW policies even though economic problems were mounting

Question 4

What did Reagan’s overspend strategy appear to have little effect on?

Answer 4

Soviet behaviour between 1981 and 1985

Question 5

What does such an approach underestimate?

Answer 5

The relative importance of Gorbachev and Reagan in bringing about superpower accommodation after 1985