Peaceful Co-existence
- In 1956- Khrushchev stated that the USSR was ready to compete peacefully with the USA on a global basis.
- The American Response was the Eisenhower Doctrine: a heavy handed policy of using US troops if necessary to intervene in the Middle East, to help against Communist-instigated aggression.
- This new policy of Peace co-existence was a relaxation of tensions within the Cold War.
- However, it signaled a new era of competition between the USA and USSR. Some interpreted it as merely an announcement of more aggressive intentions. The USSR was ready for more direct competition.
- There was evidence of this new aggressiveness as the USSR broke the Baghdad pact by arranging an arms deal between Egyptians and Czechs.
- Khrushchev visited India, Afghanistan and Burma in an effort to increase soviet influence in an attempt to build a string of Soviet States – in response to the American Alliance System. He would offer economic aid if they supported Russia. These were peaceful actions, although represented increasing power of the USSR. Tension increased.
- Soviet Aggressiveness continued as Khrushchev tried to force the allies to remove their troops from Berlin in 1959.
- Cuban Missile build up -> Khrushchev overstepped the unwritten rules of peaceful competition when he chose to compete in the Western Hemisphere.