Book SummaryTo Run the World, by Sergey Radchenko

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of To Run the World

The Soviet Union's foreign policy developed and progressed as it sought worldwide acknowledgment and sway.

Sergey Radchenko's "To Run the World" explores the evolution of the Soviet Union's international relations strategy from the conclusion of World War II through to its collapse in 1991. Throughout different periods in the history of the Soviet Union, its rulers consistently sought recognition for their country's significance and its ambitions for worldwide impact. The pursuit of global recognition and legitimacy drove the Soviet Union to aim for expansive goals, including the creation of spheres of influence in Europe and the encouragement of socialist revolutions around the world.

Stalin's viewpoint on the global landscape after the war had a profound impact on the Soviet Union's international strategy during his reign.

Stalin's vision for the world after World War II was one where the leading nations would work together in a manner reminiscent of the 19th-century Concert of Europe's impact on global relations. In this world of multiple power centers, the Soviet Union's supremacy across Europe and Asia was recognized by nations such as Great Britain and the United States. Sergey Radchenko argued that the effectiveness of power hinges on its legitimacy, which in turn requires acknowledgment from the United States.

The "percentages agreement" attributed to Churchill was instrumental in legitimizing the Soviet Union's territorial gains in Eastern Europe.

Radchenko notes Stalin's determination and capacity to extend his control over Eastern Europe using solely military means. His considerable influence was ultimately a result of the Red Army's deployment. Lacking the stamp of authenticity, the progress made by the Soviet Union could have appeared considerably less appealing. In 1944, the leader of the Soviet Union sought to negotiate a 'percentages agreement' with Winston Churchill.

The agreement was infamous for its implicit agreement that the Soviet Union would hold sway over Romania, while Britain would have a similar level of influence in Greece. Churchill made his way to Moscow in October 1944 to conclude the agreement. The details remained undisclosed to the general populace. The choice to intentionally keep information from the Americans stemmed from the recognition that Roosevelt would not have supported such a direct arrangement. Stalin prioritized formal recognition of his actions over the potential for gaining greater benefits that were not publicly disclosed.

Context

• The decision to exclude the United States from these discussions highlights the differing priorities among the Allies. Roosevelt was more focused on establishing the United Nations and promoting self-determination, which conflicted with the idea of dividing Europe into spheres of influence.
• The Yalta Conference in February 1945, attended by the Allied leaders, including Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt, set the stage for post-war reorganization, but the military presence of the Red Army gave the Soviets a significant advantage in negotiations.
• Winston Churchill was concerned about Soviet expansion and sought to protect British interests in the Mediterranean, particularly in Greece, which was strategically important for maintaining British naval dominance.
• The "percentages agreement" is often cited as an example of the pragmatic and sometimes morally ambiguous decisions made by leaders to achieve strategic goals during the war.
• Stalin's preference for formal recognition can be seen as a strategic move to legitimize Soviet influence in Eastern Europe. By securing official agreements, he aimed to prevent future disputes or challenges to Soviet control from Western powers.

The broad ambitions of Moscow were naturally reflected in its efforts to obtain a trusteeship in North Africa.

Stalin's pursuit of colonial territories was likewise an expression of his desire for recognition and legitimacy. Radchenko describes the largely unsuccessful attempt to extract a Soviet trusteeship over the former colony of Tripolitania from reluctant Western allies. Stalin's actions, which may appear to be driven by his overbearing arrogance when looked back upon, actually aligned with his comprehensive strategy for the post-war global landscape.

Soviet Union leaders anticipated a postwar era marked by a rational redistribution of colonial territories, a point emphasized by Sergey Radchenko. European perspectives have often been at odds with American ones. Stalin and Molotov gradually understood that the United States' refusal to permit the Soviet Union's governance over Tripolitania signaled a change in American strategic interests that deviated from their earlier assumptions, demonstrating that the U.S. opposition to imperialism was not limited to British and French colonial practices, which contradicted their prior beliefs. The imperialistic endeavors originating from Moscow caused considerable concern among the Americans. Sergey Radchenko's study culminates in the determination that the Soviet Union's misinterpretations of the United States were part of a broader miscalculation of the post-war international geopolitical climate. This fundamental insight established the foundation for a period often known as the Cold War, marked by fierce geopolitical competition.

Other Perspectives

• The pursuit of a trusteeship might have been more about disrupting Western colonial interests than establishing a genuine Soviet presence in North Africa.
• Stalin's interest in North Africa could be viewed as an extension of the traditional Russian interest in accessing warm-water ports, which predates the Soviet era and is not necessarily tied to seeking legitimacy.
• The characterization of Stalin's actions as an attempt to extract a trusteeship might oversimplify the complex negotiations and interactions among the Allied powers in the post-war period.
• The expectation of a...

To Run the World Summary The evolving nature of the alliance between China and the Soviet Union and its influence on the Cold War period.

The Cold War's dynamics were profoundly influenced by the interactions between the Soviet Union and Communist China. The alliance between the two leading Communist countries, which was first formed under Stalin and then reinforced under Khrushchev, appeared to be a strong pillar of worldwide Communism during that period. The book by Radchenko vividly demonstrates,

After Stalin's death, the underlying disputes that had existed since the beginning of their partnership became increasingly evident, leading to a deep divide that sometimes intensified into direct military clashes. The escalating tensions between the Soviet Union and China stood in stark contrast to the era characterized by enhanced diplomatic ties and initiatives for arms reduction with the United States.

The situation intensified, leading to fundamental discord. The consideration of reconciliation between the parties began in the 1980s, a period marked by the end of the Cold War and a shift in global power dynamics, influenced by China's marked rise and the decline of the Soviet Union.

Stalin's influence in forging the alliance between China and the Soviet Union and its impact on Mao's strategic choices.

China...

To Run the World Summary The era of the Cold War was marked by a varying balance of eased tensions and intensifying hostilities involving the United States and the Soviet Union.

As Gorbachev aimed to enhance ties with China, this time coincided with the tumultuous final phase of Soviet-American interactions. The journey was long and difficult, beginning with the peak of wartime cooperation, descending into the intense period of the Cold War, then cautiously moving towards a reduction of hostilities in the 1970s, and finally nearing the brink of nuclear confrontation. Moscow sought to shape international events to align with its own perspective.

its own terms The Soviet Union was unwavering in its resolve to secure recognition from the United States for its entitlement to engage on equal terms. The focus of the USSR on the vague and inadequately articulated notion of "equality" compounded the intricacies of the situation, further complicated by ongoing skepticism about the genuine intentions of the United States.

Following the conclusion of World War II, the dynamic between the United States and the Soviet Union shifted from an alliance to adversaries in the Cold War.

Stalin imagined a postwar structure that recognized the influence of the Soviet Union over certain European regions, based on a shared recognition of authority, without necessarily...

To Run the World Summary The Soviet Union's engagement and impact on regional conflicts.

The era known as the Cold War extended beyond mere ideological disputes and pivotal struggles for dominance throughout Europe. The Soviet Union and the United States emerged as the main contenders for influence in various regions including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Following the events, both the United States and the Soviet Union saw opportunities to expand their respective domains of control.

Allies and dependent nations received support to bolster their quest for liberation from colonial dominance.

Under Stalin's leadership, the Soviet Union's sway was mainly focused on neighboring regions instead of spreading widely beyond its immediate borders.

Stalin's primary concern, as Radchenko contends, was with security matters, even though he had aspirations to raise his...