First Principles

Abstract

‘Without its military power, the Soviet Union would be of limited consequence in world affairs.’ So concluded one well known study of this subject, and the view it expresses is one which is widely shared.^l It cannot escape notice that the growth of Soviet military strength from the mid-1960s, and of the military instrument in Soviet policy, has coincided with declining economic performance, a loss of vitality, and a tarnishing of the Soviet image in other ways which diminish that country’s international respect and appeal. It is, then, as a military power that the USSR must be understood — or so the received wisdom would have it.

We are convinced that sooner or later Capitalism will perish, just as feudalism perished earlier. The Socialist nations are advancing towards Communism. History does not ask whether you want it or not.

N. S. Khrushchev, Tass, 29 June 1957