The Soviet Union and the Horn of Africa during the Cold War

Between Ideology and Pragmatism

Nonfiction, History, Asian, Russia, Africa, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, International Relations
Cover of the book The Soviet Union and the Horn of Africa during the Cold War by Radoslav A. Yordanov, Lexington Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Radoslav A. Yordanov ISBN: 9781498529105
Publisher: Lexington Books Publication: March 17, 2016
Imprint: Lexington Books Language: English
Author: Radoslav A. Yordanov
ISBN: 9781498529105
Publisher: Lexington Books
Publication: March 17, 2016
Imprint: Lexington Books
Language: English

At the height of the Cold War, Soviet ideologues, policymakers, diplomats, and military officers perceived the countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America as the future reserve of socialism, holding the key to victory over Western forces. The zero-sum nature of East-West global competition induced the United States to try to thwart Soviet ambitions. The result was predictable: the two superpowers engaged in proxy struggles against each other in faraway, little-understood lands, often ending up entangled in protracted and highly destructive local fights that did little to serve their own agendas.
Using a wealth of recently declassified sources, this book tells the complex story of Soviet involvement in the Horn of Africa, a narrowly defined geographic entity torn by the rivalry of two large countries (Ethiopia and Somalia), from the beginning of the Cold War until the demise of the Soviet Union. At different points in the twentieth century, this region—arguably one of the poorest in the world—attracted broad international interest and large quantities of advanced weaponry, making it a Cold War flashpoint. The external actors ultimately failed to achieve what they wanted from the local conflicts—a lesson relevant for U.S. policymakers today as they ponder whether to use force abroad in the wake of the unhappy experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

At the height of the Cold War, Soviet ideologues, policymakers, diplomats, and military officers perceived the countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America as the future reserve of socialism, holding the key to victory over Western forces. The zero-sum nature of East-West global competition induced the United States to try to thwart Soviet ambitions. The result was predictable: the two superpowers engaged in proxy struggles against each other in faraway, little-understood lands, often ending up entangled in protracted and highly destructive local fights that did little to serve their own agendas.
Using a wealth of recently declassified sources, this book tells the complex story of Soviet involvement in the Horn of Africa, a narrowly defined geographic entity torn by the rivalry of two large countries (Ethiopia and Somalia), from the beginning of the Cold War until the demise of the Soviet Union. At different points in the twentieth century, this region—arguably one of the poorest in the world—attracted broad international interest and large quantities of advanced weaponry, making it a Cold War flashpoint. The external actors ultimately failed to achieve what they wanted from the local conflicts—a lesson relevant for U.S. policymakers today as they ponder whether to use force abroad in the wake of the unhappy experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan.

More books from Lexington Books

Cover of the book The Invisible Workers of the U.S.–Mexico Bracero Program by Radoslav A. Yordanov
Cover of the book Early History of the Southwest through the Eyes of German-Speaking Jesuit Missionaries by Radoslav A. Yordanov
Cover of the book Reexamining Reentry by Radoslav A. Yordanov
Cover of the book Tradition v. Rationalism by Radoslav A. Yordanov
Cover of the book The Unseen Politics of Public Housing by Radoslav A. Yordanov
Cover of the book Democracy, Peace, and Security by Radoslav A. Yordanov
Cover of the book Undeserving by Radoslav A. Yordanov
Cover of the book Dario Fo by Radoslav A. Yordanov
Cover of the book On Patience by Radoslav A. Yordanov
Cover of the book Timor-Leste by Radoslav A. Yordanov
Cover of the book Enacting Adolescent Literacies across Communities by Radoslav A. Yordanov
Cover of the book Tyranny in Shakespeare by Radoslav A. Yordanov
Cover of the book Dignity, Justice, and the Nazi Data Debate by Radoslav A. Yordanov
Cover of the book The KMT Returns to Power by Radoslav A. Yordanov
Cover of the book Feminist Advocacy by Radoslav A. Yordanov
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy