The Soviet Union in the Third World /

Eight authorities analyze Soviet Third World policies in the postwar period. Each essay is balanced, well documented, and informative. The common theme is an assessment of the changes in Soviet policy since Gorbachev. Although most authors describe changes in Soviet behavior under Gorbachev (diminished Soviet commitment, decline of ideology, and--in the case of Afghanistan--a dramatic reversal), there is a consensus that the underlying objectives of Gorbachev's foreign policy show considerable continuity with preceding administrations. Moscow is seen as remaining committed to the goal of enhancing Soviet influence in the Third World at the expense of the US and the West. None of the authors see the Soviet Union as pulling back or abandoning long-term clients. Quite possibly, had they the advantage of observing important changes that took place during 1989 some would have given more weight to Gorbachev's commitment to reducing the rivalry with the US. Still, as an introduction to Soviet Third World policy, this volume is as good as any in print. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and general readers. -J. L. Nogee, University of Houston