Soviet Diplomacy in the 1930s

Abstract

The 1930s posed a number of challenges to Soviet diplomacy as established during the 1920s. External factors, notably the rise of Hitler, played a role in shaping Soviet diplomatic behaviour and presented new challenges in foreign affairs. Internal factors also exerted great pressure on the Narkomindel, with Stalinist political culture influencing the institution and its diplomats, particularly with regard to the need to adhere rigidly to a prescribed line of action and self-presentation, at the same time as there remained similar challenges for engagement in diplomatic society. The manner in which Soviet diplomats responded to pressure both from within and without to conform to both Stalinist and diplomatic society tells us how practice was shaped during the decade. Questions arise as to how diplomats fitted into both, and the extent to which Soviet diplomacy changed.