Defense of Soviet Foreign Policy

Students must write a 4 to 5 page paper defending a historic and controversial Soviet foreign policy action during the Cold War. Students select their own topic and I must approve it. The purpose of the assignment is to identify and defend Soviet foreign policy based on the situation when the action occurred. These are not retrospective pieces: students are to analyze the historic record using original primary sources. Students must utilize at least 3 primary sources. The paper must provide the historic context, description of the foreign policy action, and justification of Soviet involvement. Common foreign policy actions such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Berlin Airlift are not eligible. I determine final eligibility. Students may complete the US or Soviet assignment first, depending on topic selection.