Exploring Lessons from Soviet Diplomacy and Western Allied Cooperation during the Second World War
https://doi.org/10.24833/RJWPLN-2024-3-4-23
Abstract
This article uses documentary sources from Russian, American, and British archives to analyse the intricacies of coalition diplomacy among the Allies during the Second World War. Particular emphasis is placed on investigating the extent to which each side observed their obligations and the general rules of conduct, which include respect for the interests of the other parties, maintaining unity in the face of disagreements, coordinating actions towards shared objectives, and avoiding movements that could cause the coalition to breakdown. Our comparative analysis of Soviet and AngloAmerican diplomacy reveals that the principal members of the anti-Hitler coalition generally adhered to these rules, and this contributed significantly to the ultimate defeat of their common adversary. However, the study indicates that the Soviet Union exhibited greater fidelity in fulfilling its obligations and was more proactive in institutionalizing the coalition in order to increase stability and ensure equal participation in strategic decision-making on conducting the war conduct and post-war settlement. This quest for parity was often impeded by the reluctance of the Western powers to accept the Soviet Union as an enduring, equal partner and legitimate member of the great powers’ club, both during and after the war. This hesitance, the article argues, was rooted not only in geopolitical considerations, but also in deep-seated cultural factors, particularly the traditional Western sense of superiority and perception of Russia as a “lesser” civilization not fit for inclusion in the Euro-Atlantic community. The article brings to light lesser-known documents from U.S. and UK archives to illustrate this mindset. It also acknowledges dissenting voices in Anglo-American political spheres that advocated for a more equitable relationship with the USSR. However, these perspectives did not significantly alter the overarching direction of Western policy.
About the Author
V. O. Pechatnov
MGIMO University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Vladimir O. Pechatnov — Dr. of Sciences (History), Professor, Department of European and American Studies, Distinguished Scholar of the Russian Federation
76, Prospect Vernadskogo, Moscow, 119454
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Review
For citations:
Pechatnov V.O. Exploring Lessons from Soviet Diplomacy and Western Allied Cooperation during the Second World War. Russian Journal of World Politics and Law of Nations. 2024;3(3):4-23. https://doi.org/10.24833/RJWPLN-2024-3-4-23
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