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Winter 1986/87
Vol 65, Number 2 << Previous: Fall 1986 | Next: America and the World 1986 >> FIND FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON A NEWSSTAND NEAR YOU  |  |
After the Summit: Reykjavik and Beyond
Michael Mandelbaum and Strobe Talbott
Charts the ups and downs of Soviet-US relations in the run-up to the Reykjavik summit (including the Daniloff affair), the arms control proposals discussed there, and the political fall-out. SDI is seen as central to President Reagan's policy, contrary to the views of his officials. The events of the latter half of 1986 prove that the strategic relationship between the superpowers is a tenuous one, but that it is not founded on the classic principles of international relations because of the nuclear question. Common security must be the target for the future. Sets out the limits for US-Soviet relationship -- limits to how good, and how bad, it can be.
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After the Summit: The Soviet Pretense
Robert G. Kaiser
Gorbachev is presenting a new picture of his country to both his own people and the West, and has "abandoned the rhetorical style on which he himself and all his countrymen were reared". But his prospects for re-vitalizing the Soviet economy are poor. American policy-makers and public alike remain trapped by a Cold War image of the USSR.
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After the Summit: Soviet Jewry
Robert Cullen
Reviews the status of Soviet Jews under present Soviet policy. The USA should link the emigration of Soviet Jews to the reduction of US-Soviet trade barriers.
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South African Liberation: The Communist Factor
Thomas G. Karis
Examines the relationship between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Communist Party of South Africa, and considers the extent of Soviet influence over the liberation movement. Argues that the ANC is not dominated by Communists, but that "non-Communist African leaders work with Communists for their common end of opposing white domination". Sees dangers for US foreign policy in looking at the South African problem through ideological blinkers
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The Japan Problem
Karel van Wolferen
The growing economic disputes between the USA and Japan could develop into a serious political conflict. The 'Japan problem' is rooted in two fictions (1) that the Japanese state has central organs of government which bear ultimate responsibility for economic and political decision-making, whereas the Japanese system is a collection of different hierarchies without a centre (2) that Japan has a free-market capitalist economy, whereas it is actually a 'capitalist development state', characterized by a partnership between central bureaucrats and entrepreneurs. Fixed trade commitments could be part of the solution.
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Learning From Chernobyl
Bennett Ramberg
Describes the course of events leading up to and following the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Existing nuclear safeguards should be strengthened and international inspection increased.
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The United States and Libya
Edward Schumacher
US policy towards Libya has confused the aim of stopping Libyan-inspired terrorism with that of overthrowing Gaddafi, and is based on a false picture of the domestic situation in Libya. Describes the economic status of Libya and its political organization. The regime should be left to its own 'self-destruction'.
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Iraq at War
Milton Viorst
The USA appears to be indifferent to the Gulf war, despite the implications of an Iranian victory. Arab leaders are concerned about the apparent 'tilt' in US policy away from Iraq, and are confused by McFarlane's dealings with the Khomeini regime. A more definite US policy is needed.
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The Nicaragua Debate
Joshua Muravchik
Uses the example of Nicaragua to argue for selective containment of Soviet expansion and influence under the 'Reagan doctrine'. The Contras should be supported.
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The Death of La Prensa
Violeta Barrios de Chamorro
States the case for civil liberties in Nicaragua, arguing that the goal of the opposition press in that country is to support freedom of opinion. Emphasizes La Prensa's opposition to the former Somoza regime.
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