Lecture Notes: Britain and USSR Relations

Introduction

• Focus on Britain-USSR relations over decades (1950s-1990s).
• Overview of the relationship’s progress from hostility to a more peaceful coexistence.
• Comparison with Britain’s relationship with the European Union.

1950s: Hostility and Early Coexistence

• Hostile Elements:
  • Fears of USSR invasion of Europe and communist expansion.
  • Churchill’s Iron Curtain speech highlighted division in Europe.
  • Stalin's death in 1953 reduced fears of expansion.
• Peaceful Coexistence:
  • Khrushchev’s de-Stalinization policy and desire for peaceful coexistence with the West.
  • Both sides maintained desire to avoid direct war.
  • USSR/Britain navies exchange goodwill visits; Khrushchev visits Britain, and McMillan visits Moscow.

1960s-70s: Cold War Dynamics

• Britain viewed the USSR as an existential threat, akin to contemporary Russia.
• Cuban Missile Crisis heightened tensions but was de-escalated with Britain's help.
• Espionage prevalent; cultural depictions (e.g., James Bond) portrayed USSR as the enemy.

1980s-90s: Reagan and Gorbachev

• 1980s:
  • Reagan's hard stance on USSR, calling it the "evil empire."
  • Near nuclear crisis due to Reagan’s rhetoric and mock exercises.
  • Thatcher played a role in mediating between Reagan and Gorbachev.
  • USSR's internal reforms under Gorbachev reduced tensions.
• 1990s:
  • Collapse of USSR in 1991, transition to Yeltsin’s leadership.
  • UK's influence in transitioning Russia into global markets (e.g., G8).

Conclusion on UK-USSR Relations

• Relations were generally peaceful but underpinned by mutual suspicion and pragmatic avoidance of war.
• Focus shifted from Britain to primarily US-USSR tension.

Lecture Notes: Britain and the European Union

1950s: Creation and Non-participation

• UK helped create the OEC to implement Marshall Aid, fearing communist rise in Europe.
• UK was a founding member of the European Council in 1949.
• Despite setting up the EEC, Britain opted not to join due to focus on Commonwealth.
• Skepticism towards European unity due to historical Franco-German rivalry.

1960s-70s: Attempts and Barriers

• UK economy weakened, leading to attempts to join EEC.
• Formed European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as an alternative.
• Internal opposition from both Labour and Conservative wings.
• De Gaulle’s persistent blocking of UK’s EEC membership until 1969.

1980s-90s: Membership and Skepticism

• Thatcher secured a rebate from Europe in 1984, wary of economic burden.
• Concern over EEC’s impact on British sovereignty.
• Joining ERM to tackle inflation but faced defeat (Black Wednesday).
• Economic benefits vs. political skepticism of closer union.
• Mixed relationship due to economic gain but political apprehension.

Conclusion on UK-EU Relations

• Historically ambivalent, with economic interests often prioritized over political unity.
• Skepticism of political integration persists despite economic collaborations.

British Nuclear Deterrent

Introduction

• Topic involves the controversy surrounding Britain's nuclear deterrent.

Arguments for Nuclear Deterrent

• Provision of national security against Soviet threat.
• Part of NATO’s overall defensive posture.
• Maintains UK's status as a great power.

Arguments Against Nuclear Deterrent

• Dependency on US for nuclear capabilities and control (Polaris missiles).
• High maintenance costs could be allocated elsewhere.
• Nuclear disarmament movements and campaigns (e.g., CND).

Conclusion

• Nuclear deterrent remains a controversial issue with strong arguments on both sides.
• Current geopolitical tensions may influence views positively towards deterrence.