Brezhnev Doctrine

Definition

The Brezhnev Doctrine was a Soviet foreign policy principle articulated in 1968, asserting that the Soviet Union had the right to intervene in countries where socialism was threatened. This doctrine reinforced the USSR's commitment to maintain communist rule in Eastern Europe and counter any movements towards liberalization, reflecting the intense geopolitical tensions of the era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Brezhnev Doctrine was first publicly articulated after the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 to suppress the Prague Spring, emphasizing the USSR's commitment to protect communist regimes.
2. It justified military interventions in Eastern Europe whenever there were threats to socialist governments, ensuring that reforms were limited and tightly controlled.
3. The doctrine led to a more rigid and conservative approach within the Eastern Bloc, discouraging reformist movements and enforcing strict loyalty to Moscow.
4. The Brezhnev Doctrine was a response to Western criticisms of Soviet imperialism but was also indicative of internal fears within the USSR regarding dissent and potential uprisings.
5. Although it reinforced Soviet dominance over Eastern Europe, the doctrine also contributed to growing discontent among Eastern European nations, eventually leading to challenges against communist rule in the late 1980s.

Review Questions

• How did the Brezhnev Doctrine influence Soviet foreign policy in Eastern Europe during the Cold War?
  • The Brezhnev Doctrine significantly shaped Soviet foreign policy by establishing a clear stance that intervention was justified to maintain communist rule in Eastern Europe. This policy led to military actions, such as the suppression of the Prague Spring in Czechoslovakia, demonstrating that any movement towards reform or liberalization would not be tolerated. As a result, this doctrine reinforced the status quo in Eastern European nations and solidified Soviet control over these satellite states.
• Evaluate the impact of the Brezhnev Doctrine on Eastern European countries' attempts at reform during the 1970s and 1980s.
  • The Brezhnev Doctrine had a chilling effect on reform efforts in Eastern Europe during the 1970s and 1980s. The doctrine discouraged any political liberalization or national autonomy by making it clear that any threat to socialism could provoke military intervention from the USSR. Consequently, many reformist movements were stifled or crushed, leading to increased resentment against Soviet authority. It wasn't until later when growing public dissent challenged this rigidity, ultimately contributing to the decline of communist regimes.
• Discuss how the Brezhnev Doctrine relates to the eventual fall of communism in Eastern Europe at the end of the 1980s.
  • The Brezhnev Doctrine initially reinforced Soviet dominance over Eastern Europe but ultimately contributed to its downfall as it created an environment of oppression that fueled discontent. By asserting that intervention would be used against any threats to communism, it generated resistance among populations yearning for freedom. As reform movements gained momentum towards the late 1980s and Gorbachev's policies encouraged more openness, many Eastern European nations began challenging Soviet authority. The failure of the doctrine to adapt to these changes played a critical role in facilitating revolutions across Eastern Europe, leading to the eventual collapse of communist regimes.

Related terms

Prague Spring: A period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia during 1968 that was ultimately crushed by a Soviet-led invasion, highlighting the enforcement of the Brezhnev Doctrine.

Warsaw Pact: A military alliance of communist nations in Eastern Europe led by the Soviet Union, established in response to NATO, which supported the Brezhnev Doctrine by providing a unified front against perceived threats.

Détente: A phase of relaxed tensions and improved relations between the Soviet Union and the West during the 1970s, which conflicted with the interventionist principles of the Brezhnev Doctrine.