How did the headlines change from “Arming the Shah” to “Iran Sends Drone Trainers to Crimea to Aid Russian Military”? It’s perplexing, isn’t it? The relationship between Russia and Iran has been turbulent and fraught with controversy - even conflict. Stalin refused to withdraw Soviet troops from the country after World War II, leading to a debate in the Security Council of … [Read more...] about Iran, Russia, and the Politics of Expediency
Soviet Union
S is for Sputnik
On the morning of October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union successfully launched the world’s first artificial satellite named Sputnik (Russian for “travelling companion”). Weighing 184 pounds, the satellite orbited the earth at 18,000 miles per hour. The booster launching demonstrated the skill of Soviet missile science. Americans were extremely disturbed. Strategic air force units … [Read more...] about S is for Sputnik
The Soviet Challenge
With the death of Stalin in March 1953, the Soviets renewed their long dormant interest in the revolutionary potential of the less developed world. Khruschev resolutely determined to mobilize the newly emerging and decolonializing nations against the West, intending to exploit the end of colonial empires to promote his own interests. The issue took on increased … [Read more...] about The Soviet Challenge
Free for All in the Ukraine
I rarely post about current events, so I haven't mentioned the stand-off in the Ukraine. But I thought some factoids might be enlightening. Since I don't write much about the Ukraine or Russia, I've drawn heavily from newspaper articles published in previously "nonaligned" nations. Feel free to post your comments. That said, let's get started. The Collapse of the Soviet … [Read more...] about Free for All in the Ukraine
Cold War Cities: The Soviet City
The Soviet Model The "ideal type" Soviet model is reportedly characterized by massive government involvement in the economy as well as by the absence of private land ownership and free-market forces. Cities fitting the Soviet model have been identified in China, Eastern Europe, North Korea, Vietnam, and Cuba. Those who accept the relevance of an "ideal type" model use the … [Read more...] about Cold War Cities: The Soviet City
