Scumbria,
OT
The Soviet Union went bankrupt due to 70 years of stifling economic policies and corruption. Gorbachev presided over the end of that particular chapter of Russian madness.
The Cold War was waged on a different level, not on the quantity of platform shoes and polyester pants sold. It was waged by (successfull) intimidation, covert and overt military operations, and propaganda.
What finished off Comunism was moral strength of the leaders of the West (Reagan, Thacher, Kohl, Mitterand (sp?) and majority of the citizens of these countries. Notice I say "majority", because there was a minority - a part of the Democratic party - that was ready to waive the white flag when the going got tough in the early 80s.
This moment of strength of the west was paired with a momentary lack of confidence on the Soviet leadership to continue their reign of terror.
I lived behind the Iron curtain. I can tell you that it was nowhere near bankrupt. Economically inefficient? Yes. But militarily strong, with clearly stated ideological and propaganda goals ("on message" in campaign speak).
At the time I came to the United states in 1983, having seem both sides, it was clear to me that the Reagan's chosen direction of confrontation, rather than the leaky containment would bring about a resolution of this conflict within my lifetime. But I wasn't sure who the winner would be, even though I have lived this conflict. I find it somewhat amusing when someone in year 2000 says that he knew what the outcome was going to be. Or when you count pennies of the cost of victory.
How much money was spent to defeat Nazis? Do you think the US should have stayed within budgetary constraints to fight the war? How would a half a trillion dollars of military spending per year influence this years budget, in case the resolution was not achieved by Reagan and this wimp George Bush?
Joe |
