Soviet Foreign Policy, the League of Nations and Europe, 1917-1939

This intriguing study traces the evolution of Soviet foreign policy in the period between World Wars I and II. Although the Soviet Union began this era committed to a worldwide proletarian revolution, concerns about territorial security prompted the Soviets to establish diplomatic links with the European community and to join the League of Nations. The authors contend that throughout this period, Soviet foreign policy was dictated by the requirements of an aggressive ideology tempered by 'realpolitik.' From this perspective, they examine the tactics and intrigues underlying such Soviet policies as acceptance of League membership, 'peaceful co-existence' with its European neighbors, and the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact.