the role of ideology in Soviet foreign policy 1917–1941 Flashcards
Context
Soviet foreign policy from 1917 to 1941 was determined by two desires: to protect the revolution and their fledgling communist state from external enemies AND to spread a communist revolution internationally and contribute to the growth of communism.
We can understand these goals to be: pragmatic (based on national self interest and involving security and prosperity for the Soviet Union) and ideological (based upon the Marxist goal of spreading the communist revolution to other countries).
Throughout this period, there are examples of the Soviet Union adopting more pragmatic approaches to foreign policy: they formed alliances and made agreements with other nations (Germany, Treaty of Rapallo 1922, joined the League of Nations, signed the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact), focused on national interests instead of pursuing revolutions elsewhere (socialism in one country) and tried to avoid becoming isolated internationally.
However, ideological goals were not entirely neglected: the Comintern was established to help spread communism in 1919, aid and assistance were sent to socialist forces to prevent the spread of Fascism in the Spanish Civil War.
Notably, under Stalin there was less emphasis put on spreading the revolution. The rise of Fascism in Germany and the anti-Comintern Pact between G, I & J meant greater cooperation with capitalist powers was needed to protect and preserve the USSR’s interests and ensure their survival.
