The Truman’s Doctrine of 1947 as evaluated by modern Russian scientists

Abstract

The article examines the state of coverage and completeness of the study of the problem of the proclaimed foreign policy doctrine of Harry Truman in 1947 in Russian historiography. The aim of the study is to analyze the interpretations of the doctrine covered by Russian historical science. The author thoroughly considers the evolution of opinions and positions of Russian scientists, traces the specifics of their interpretation of views on the renewed postwar US foreign policy. The research methods are the principles of scientific objectivity and historicism. The methodological basis of the article is formed by general scientific and special principles and techniques of scientific knowledge. To formulate the conclusions of the study, the method of generalization and modeling is applied. Main results and conclusions. It is revealed that in Russian historiography there is a radical change of views on the Truman doctrine, its purpose and purpose. Russian historical thought does not cover it as an aggressive policy, but on the contrary explains its emergence as a geopolitical necessity. It is determined that the Americanists of Russia focused on the theoretical origins of the doctrine. It is assessed as a priority of the renewed foreign policy and is called the one that marked the beginning of a new stage in international history. Discussions about the Truman Doctrine on the question of the Cold War are particularly controversial. Historiographical analysis convincingly proves that the vast majority of Russian researchers do not see the doctrine as the cause and beginning of the Cold War. The Truman Doctrine of 1947, in their view, became only a certain stage, the basis, the declaration of its origin. In a comparative aspect, Russian historians analyze the ideological contradictions of the two superpowers. It is highlighted that foreign policy doctrine played a pivotal role in US postwar history. Modern Russian science has changed the vision of the content of the proclaimed doctrine. Russian researchers in American studies emphasize that the history of US foreign policy has long been one of the most falsified topics in their historiography. Now there are significant changes in the views of Russian researchers on international relations in the postwar period. Historiographical discussions of Russian Americanists in studying the problem of the United States’ transition to a renewed foreign policy course highlight the national security imperative. The approach to the study of US international policy has changed. The result of these changes can be found in archives and publications of modern unbiased scientific papers. The vast majority of Russian scholars believe that the renewed foreign policy of the United States marked the beginning of a new stage in international relations, became one of the first practical steps of the United States in the Cold War. And the goals and objectives set in 1947 continue to be the foundation of American economic aid programs today. According to Russian historical science, the renewed foreign policy of the United States continues to this day, the proclaimed rhetoric of the 33rd President Harry Truman is implemented by the American establishment today. Practical importance of research: main results and conclusions can be used for further research of the Truman Doctrine as part of the Cold War history. Originality is due to extensive discussions in scientific and social circles on the formation of the conceptual foundations of US foreign policy in the second half of the twentieth century. Scientific novelty: for the first time in Ukrainian historiography, the views of Russian historians on the proclaimed Truman doctrine are analyzed. Article type: analytical.