“How far do you agree with the view that the Sino-Soviet split was beneficial

to the USA”

AnthonyIBHL HistoryMs. Wendy Gifford

Thesis Statement

The split benefited the United States to a great extent:

- It exposed the schisms in the Communist ideology and helped democratic movements take root

- It led the way to better Sino-US relations, which helped the US in its campaign to contain communism in Asia

- The military repercussions of the split also caused the Russians to focus much of their forces and attention on Asian instead of on Eastern Europe

P1: US Democratic lobby

• The fractiousness of the Comintern resulted in a widening of support for the US-backed democratic parties

• Competition led to a weakening of Soviet influence in Asian and Europe

• Many other underground parties, following China, rose to challenge the USSR

P2: China as an ally in “Containing” communism in Asia

• The resulting advancement in Sino-American diplomatic relations became advantageous to the US campaigns in Asia

• The diplomatic successes with China enabled the United States reduce its armed forces

• Highly successful Sino-American-Pakistan alliance against USSR, China supported Cambodia against Vietnam

P3: The redirection of Soviet focus, forces and resources

• The USSR was in no shape to compete technologically and economically with the US or maintain its influence in Eastern Europe and in other LEDCs for long

• Territorial disputes and failed talks with the Chinese• The intense rivalry between China and USSR meant

that both countries had to spend resources

Conclusion

• China a natural counterbalance against the Soviet Union

• Other factors that benefited the US: Death of Mao (better Chinese relations) and the poor Soviet economy in general (rise of democratic movements)

• Sino-Soviet Split characterized the relations of the Cold War and in many ways, hastened the war’s end

BibliographyLundestad, G. (1999). East, West, North, South: Major Developments in International

Politics since 1945 (4thth ed., pp. 238-250). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Murphy, D. (2003). The Cold War: 1945-1991. London: Collins Educational.

Dunbabin, J. (1994). The Cold War: The Great Powers and their Allies (pp. 285-287). London: Longman Group Limited.

Young, J. W. (1993). Cold War and Detente 1941-91. New York: Longman Publishing.