The Soviet-American Antagonism: How Will It End?

Abstract

In view of the retaliatory power of both Russia and the United States a third world war is most unlikely. In every instance in recent years when armed conflict could have erupted one side or the other has avoided the fatal step. The inevitable result is cold war, and a realistic look at the situation must include the fact that ideology is only "a smoke screen or a fig leaf to hide a naked struggle for power su premacy." When the Russian position is seen as "nineteenth century colonialism in a red dress," the reasons for the Berlin crisis become apparent. The Soviets cannot continue to tol erate the example of free Berlin in their midst nor can they allow the stream of escapees from the Eastern zone to drain their skilled manpower and poke such visible holes in their propaganda. In dealing with Moscow in the future, Wash ington must realize the limitations on both our power and theirs. We cannot remake the world in our image, and we run the risk of offending the powerful force of nationalism when we attempt to do so, but neither can Russia and China turn it to Marxism. We must realize that we are unable to do harm by refusing trade to Russia or recognition to China. Disengagement—both political and military—is the only course for the future, but it can come only after we have proved to Khrushchev that we are not going to allow him to disengage the West from West Berlin.—Ed.