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Shortcut to Greatness: The New Thinking and the Revolution in Soviet Foreign Policy

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  • Larson, Deborah Welch
  • Shevchenko, Alexei

Abstract

Why did Soviet foreign policy change during 1985–1991 from viewing conflict between capitalism and socialism as inevitable to favoring cooperation between states in solving global problems? Neither materialist analyses nor ideational accounts explain why Gorbachev adopted the radical new thinking instead of more conventional reform alternatives. We argue that the new thinking offered a means to enhance Soviet status despite retrenchment and accommodation of the West. By promoting principles underlying a new world order, the Soviet Union could achieve greatness based on the exercise of soft power. This explanation draws on social identity theory, which maintains that people are motivated for their social group to have a distinctive, positive identity. Lower status groups may enhance their perceived standing by finding a new domain for comparison or reevaluating an undesirable trait.

Suggested Citation

  • Larson, Deborah Welch & Shevchenko, Alexei, 2003. "Shortcut to Greatness: The New Thinking and the Revolution in Soviet Foreign Policy," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 57(1), pages 77-109, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:intorg:v:57:y:2003:i:01:p:77-109_57
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    Cited by:

    1. Florent Frasson-Quenoz y otros., 2020. "Pensar, debatir y aportar a las Relaciones Internacionales," Books, Universidad Externado de Colombia, Facultad de Finanzas, Gobierno y Relaciones Internacionales, number 143, April.
    2. J. Patrick Rhamey Jr & Bryan R. Early, 2013. "Going for the gold: Status-seeking behavior and Olympic performance," International Area Studies Review, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, vol. 16(3), pages 244-261, September.
    3. Ryan Kennedy, 2010. "Supranational identity, democratic attitudes, and political participation: The EU and Moldova," European Union Politics, , vol. 11(4), pages 511-532, December.
    4. Corbetta Renato & Volgy Thomas J. & Rhamey J. Patrick, 2013. "Major Power Status (In)Consistency and Political Relevance in International Relations Studies," Peace Economics, Peace Science, and Public Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 19(3), pages 291-307, December.

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