The Asia-Pacific on the Eve of and during the Second World War. Soviet Policy and Diplomacy in the Region
https://doi.org/10.24833/RJWPLN-2024-3-92-119
Abstract
This article offers an in-depth analysis of Soviet policy and diplomacy in the Far East during the tumultuous period spanning from the 1920s to the 1940s. These policies were profoundly shaped by two key factors: first, the ideological considerations rooted in the political framework established in the USSR following the 1917 Revolution, and second, the geopolitical dynamics reflecting the evolving global and regional political landscape in the Far East. The ruling Bolshevik Party and the Soviet government faced formidable challenges as they sought to safeguard the nascent Soviet Republic amid mounting international tensions, both globally and within the AsiaPacific region.
This study aims to present a comprehensive and integrated examination of Soviet policy and diplomacy during this era, which can be split into four distinct time periods, each with its unique features, priorities, and challenges. At the same time, these periods are united by the overarching goal of consolidating the Soviet Union’s position in the Far Eastern region and the broader Pacific theatre. The four discernible stages in Soviet policy and diplomacy in the Far East encompass:
- The period spanning from 1927 to 1932, which was marked by an initial deterioration in relations between the Soviet government and the Kuomintang administration following the 1927 split between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party of China (CPC). This phase also witnessed the 1929 conflict on the Chinese Eastern Railway and culminated in the reestablishment of Sino–Soviet relations, all set against the backdrop of escalating Japanese aggression in Northeastern China (Manchuria). This phase demanded adroit diplomacy that balanced strength and strategic statecraft.
- The 1930s, which, especially in the aftermath of Japan’s aggressive incursions into China, saw limited interaction and collaboration between the USSR and the Republic of China. This period featured cautious Soviet–Japanese interaction and included significant events such as armed clashes at Lake Khasan and the KhalkhinGol River, as well as the signing of the Soviet–Japanese Neutrality Pact.
- The era of the Great Patriotic War from 1941 to 1945, during which the Soviet Union’s foremost objective was the defeat of the German Nazi aggressor. During this period, Soviet diplomacy was primarily focused on relations with its Anglo-American allies, with particular emphasis on the contentious issue of opening a second front. Consequently, Far Eastern and Pacific policy concerns assumed a somewhat marginalized role within the realm of Soviet diplomacy.
- Finally, the period spanning from the winter to the summer of 1945. During this time, the Soviet Union intensified its political, diplomatic, and military involvement in the Far East, all against the backdrop of preparations to enter the war against Japan. Diplomatic endeavours reached their zenith during this critical phase.
About the Author
Yu. A. Dubinin
MGIMO University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Yuri A. Dubinin – Cand. Of Sciences (History), Professor, Department of International Relations and Foreign
policy of Russia
76, Prospekt Vernadskogo, Moscow, 119454
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Review
For citations:
Dubinin Yu.A. The Asia-Pacific on the Eve of and during the Second World War. Soviet Policy and Diplomacy in the Region. Russian Journal of World Politics and Law of Nations. 2024;3(3):92-119. https://doi.org/10.24833/RJWPLN-2024-3-92-119
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