The USSR and the Soviet Empire, 1953–2000 (A-level only) – Years of…

The idea

Brezhnev’s foreign policy initially focused on détente with the West, seeking to reduce nuclear tensions and secure Western technology through agreements like SALT I (1972) and the Helsinki Accords (1975). However, this period of relaxed international relations collapsed following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Intended as a brief intervention to support a pro-Soviet regime, the invasion became a protracted, unwinnable conflict that severely impacted the USSR by draining its economy, demoralising the Red Army, and sparking domestic discontent. This aggression, coupled with the election of Ronald Reagan, triggered the Second Cold War. The renewed arms race placed unbearable strain on the already stagnating Soviet economy, exposing the fundamental weaknesses of the system.

What earns the marks

• Analyse the motivations for détente, including the Soviet desire for strategic parity, economic relief, and access to Western technology.
• Evaluate the significance of key détente agreements, such as SALT I and the Helsinki Accords, in temporarily stabilising East-West relations.
• Assess the reasons for the 1979 invasion of Afghanistan, focusing on the Brezhnev Doctrine and the fear of Islamic fundamentalism spreading.
• Detail the domestic impact of the Afghan war on the USSR, including economic drain, military casualties, and growing public disillusionment.
• Explain the transition into the Second Cold War, highlighting the breakdown of trust and the renewed arms race under Reagan and Thatcher.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Stating that détente ended solely because of the election of Ronald Reagan.

  Put it right: Emphasise that the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 was the primary catalyst for the collapse of détente.

• Treating the invasion of Afghanistan as a minor border skirmish.

  Put it right: Recognise it as a decade-long, resource-draining conflict often referred to as the Soviet Union's 'Vietnam'.

• Assuming détente meant an end to Cold War competition.

  Put it right: Clarify that both sides continued to compete for global influence, particularly in the Third World, despite arms control agreements.

Exam tips

• Connect foreign policy directly to domestic issues; explain how the cost of the Second Cold War exacerbated Soviet economic stagnation.
• Use the Helsinki Accords to demonstrate how détente had unintended consequences for the USSR, particularly regarding human rights monitoring.
• When discussing Afghanistan, explicitly mention the Brezhnev Doctrine to show an understanding of Soviet ideological motivations.