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I will not deny that there are other possible reasons, some of them plausible, and especially that there was a concern about the combination of defensive and offensive capabilities changing the balance of power, even were the defenses inadequate. However, given the character of the Politburo, it was remarkable enough that Gorbachev came to power, and was given such latitude, and even more remarkable that they hesitated so long before trying to topple him. I cannot help but to think that it was the combination of concern with being able to keep up, economically and technologically, which was at the base of perestroika, and the need to make a peace offensive that would be credible to Reagan and Thatcher, with the smiling face of Gorbachev personifying the new climate....I think that Gorbachev is either being disingenuous in denying that the resolve to confront the Soviets was a positive factor in the course of events, or that his is so intent upon not portraying it the whole business as a "lose" that he is incapable of a realistic appraisal. Still, I will peruse the article when I get a chance...... |
