Brezhnev foreign policies
By: Ashley Castenada Class of 2012
During the Cold War, Brezhnev’s main point of foreign
policy was held in the Brezhnev Doctrine, which stated that the Soviet Union
would have the sole right to intervene in its satellite countries whenever there
was a threat to socialism in one of them. It relied heavily on military force.
This lead the Soviet Union to take hostile action towards the satellite nations,
such as banning forms of self-determination and invading Czechoslovakia in 1968
(Galegroup.com). The Soviet Union also intervened during a civil war in
Afghanistan in 1979 (Galegroup.com).
Brezhnev made it clear, that, in regards to the satellite countries, “none of
their decisions should damage either socialism in their country or the
fundamental interests of other socialist countries, and the whole working class
movement, which is working for socialism.” (Pravda).
With Alexander Dubcek as First Secretary of Czechoslovakia, the satellite
country began leaning towards the liberalization of various freedoms and
government control. Dubcek began instituting various reforms: letting go of
press censorship, allowing the re-establishment of various social groups, and
eliminating Communist officials from office, such as Novotny, the former
president (Galegroup.com). However, the Soviet Union feared that allowing such
reforms would eventually lead to difficulties in controlling Czechoslovakia and
other satellite nations, who would possibly be encouraged to initiate similar
reforms. The Soviet Union saw such liberal policies as a threat to control over
what was known as the Soviet bloc. Using the Brezhnev Doctrine as legitimate
justification for military force, the Soviet Union and other Warsaw Pact members
invaded Czechoslovakia in August of 1968 and re-established strict Communist
rule (Galegroup.com). Soviet troops were stationed in Czechoslovakia, and
Dubcek’s reforms were gradually withdrawn. The Soviet Union was determined not
to have any of its satellite nations break away from Soviet control.
Under Brezhnev, Soviet relations with China
grew tense and violent. Brezhnev’s harsh foreign policies eventually
lead to combat conflict with China along Sino-Soviet and
Sino-Mongolian borders (Quimet). China did not agree at all with the
Soviet’s invasion of Czechoslovakia. It also feared a serious threat
from Moscow. After the initiation of several defense measures in
China under Lin Biao and a Chinese attack on the Soviets on Damansky
Island; Brezhnev began militarizing the borders (Ouimet). He
fortified Soviet-controlled borders in China with heavy artillery
and weapons (Ouimet). Soviet tensions with China remained until the
mid-80s.
Despite hostile action towards other Communist
nations, Brezhnev attempted to achieve better relations between the
East and West during the 70s. In regards to the United States, he
tried to continue the policy of détente. He also met with president
Richard Nixon several times (History.com). Although Brezhnev was
determined to fortify the Soviet military, he took more peaceful
steps towards the US, signing the SALT II treaty during Jimmy
Carter’s presidency (History.com).
Although Brehznev’s aggressive foreign policy
could be considered successful in maintaining order among the
satellite nations, it caused the Soviet Union’s economy to suffer.
Since Brehznev focused much of the nations money on building up a
successful military and reaching the same level as the US in nuclear
weaponry, many funds for other aspects of the country were
significantly reduced. This resulted in a poor economy during
Brehznev’s leadership.
In regards to the West, Brehznev’s foreign
policy focued primarily on détente. However, most of his efforts
were devoted to strict military force in upholding strict Communist
control in satellite nations and elimination liberal emergences.
Works Cited
Novosti, . "The Brezhnev Doctrine, 1968." Temple. N.p., 25
Sept. 1968. Web. 13 Feb. 2012.
"The Brezhnev Doctrine Bans Acts of Independence in Soviet Satellites, 1968-1989." DISCovering World History. Online ed. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Discovering Collection. Gale. Pleasant Valley High School - Chico, CA. 14 Feb. 2012
"Czechoslovakia Invaded by Russia, August 20, 1968-August 21, 1968." DISCovering World History. Online ed. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Discovering Collection. Gale. Pleasant Valley High School - Chico, CA. 14 Feb. 2012
Ouimet, Matthew J. The rise and fall of the Brezhnev Doctrine in Soviet foreign policy. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2003. 59. Web. 13 Feb. 2012.
“Leonid Ilich Brezhnev.” 2012. The History Channel website.
Feb 15 2012, 1:21
http://www.history.com/topics/leonid-ilich-brezhnev.