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Soviet Union [USSR] Foreign Policy, 1921-28
In the 1920s, as the new Soviet state temporarily retreated
from the revolutionary path to socialism, the party also adopted a
less ideological approach in its relations with the rest of the
world. Lenin, ever the practical leader, having become convinced
that socialist revolution would not break out in other countries in
the near future, realized that his government required normal
relations with the Western world for it to survive. Not only were
good relations important for national security, but the economy
also required trade with the industrial countries. Blocking Soviet
attainment of these desires were lingering suspicions of communism
on the part of the Western powers and concern over the foreign
debts incurred by the tsarist government that the Soviet government
had unilaterally canceled. In April 1922, the Soviet commissar of
foreign affairs, Georgii Chicherin, circumvented these difficulties
by achieving an understanding with Germany, the other pariah state
of Europe, at Rapallo, Italy. In the Treaty of Rapallo, Germany and
Russia agreed on mutual recognition, cancellation of debt claims,
normalization of trade relations, and secret cooperation in
military development. After concluding the treaty, the Soviet Union
soon obtained diplomatic recognition from other major powers,
beginning with Britain in February 1924. Although the United States
withheld recognition until 1933, private American firms began to
extend technological assistance and develop commercial links
beginning in the 1920s.
Toward the non-Western world, the Soviet leadership limited its
policy to promoting opposition among the indigenous populations
against imperialist exploitation. Moscow did pursue an active
policy in China, aiding the rise of the Nationalist Party, a
non-Marxist organization committed to reform and national
sovereignty. After the triumph of the Nationalists, a debate
developed among Soviet leaders concerning the future status of
relations with China. Stalin wanted the Chinese Communist Party to
join the Nationalists and infiltrate the government from within,
while Trotsky proposed an armed communist uprising and forcible
imposition of socialism in that country. Although Stalin's plan was
finally accepted, it came to nought when in 1926 the Nationalist
leader Chiang Kai-shek ordered the Chinese communists massacred and
Soviet advisers expelled.
Data as of May 1989
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