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On the Battlefields of the Cold War: A Soviet Ambassador's Confession
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On the Battlefields of the Cold War: A Soviet Ambassador's Confession Hardcover - 2003

by Victor Israelyan


From the publisher

"Memoirs are worthless if their authors attempt to present themselves as angels. I resolutely oppose those of my countrymen who shift responsibility for Soviet evils exclusively to the leaders. It is important that each Soviet citizen realize and admit his or her share of the responsibility." --from On the Battlefields of the Cold War

For more than forty years Victor Israelyan served in the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rising through the ranks to become one of the Soviet Union's leading diplomats specializing in disarmament negotiations. He was forced to retire in 1987, a casualty of a system that was about to collapse under the weight of its contradictions. On the Battlefields of the Cold War offers unique insight into the volatile inner workings of the Soviet Foreign Ministry, where the battle lines of the Cold War were often first drawn.

Israelyan has no patience for those of his compatriots who argue that Soviet foreign policy was ultimately just, save for a few "aberrations" such as the invasions of Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Afghanistan. These acts were intrinsic to the system, and without them the mighty Soviet Union would not have existed as long as it did. The very foundation of Soviet foreign policy, therefore, was untenable, and the entire structure it supported was destined to implode.

Israelyan brings to this memoir a wealth of experience, having worked with all the postwar Soviet foreign ministers--from Molotov and Vyshinsky to Gromyko and Shevardnadze--and established diplomatic ties to the West, particularly to the United States. As part of the middle tier of the diplomatic hierarchy, he was privy both to meetings of the Collegium of the Foreign Ministry as well as to the many informal, private discussions among rank-and-file diplomats. Israelyan explains how he and his colleagues, as faithful defenders of Soviet ideology, viewed the United States, the Soviet Union's main adversary and partner. He tells of distinct factions within the Soviet foreign policy apparatus--factions that Soviet leaders sought to hide, fearing that any internal divisions might be interpreted by outsiders as discord. This aging Cold Warrior--one who accepts that he belonged to the party that lost the war--relates a deeply human story whose legacy continues today.

Details

  • Title On the Battlefields of the Cold War: A Soviet Ambassador's Confession
  • Author Victor Israelyan
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Pages 414
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Penn State University Press
  • Date July 2003
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780271022970 / 0271022973
  • Weight 1.85 lbs (0.84 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.46 x 6.6 x 1.33 in (24.03 x 16.76 x 3.38 cm)
  • Reading level 1390
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: 20th Century
    • Chronological Period: 1950-1999
    • Cultural Region: Russian
  • Library of Congress subjects Cold War, World politics - 1945-1989
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2003009371
  • Dewey Decimal Code B

About the author

Victor Israelyan has had a rich and distinguished career spanning five decades as a physician, diplomat, scholar, and professor. He has written more than ten books, including Inside the Kremlin During the Yom Kippur War (Penn State, 1995).

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On the Battlefields of the Cold War: A Soviet Ambassador's Confession
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

On the Battlefields of the Cold War: A Soviet Ambassador's Confession

by Israelyan, V.

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9780271022970
ISBN 10
0271022973
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Pennsylvania State University Press, 2003. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. No dust jacket. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,900grams, ISBN:0271022973
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On the Battlefields of the Cold War: A Soviet Ambassador's Confession
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

On the Battlefields of the Cold War: A Soviet Ambassador's Confession

by Israelyan, Victor

  • Used
  • Hardcover
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Like New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780271022970
ISBN 10
0271022973
Quantity Available
1
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This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
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Description:
Penn State University Press, 8/15/2003. Hardcover. Like New. Hardcover and dust jacket. Good binding and cover. Clean, unmarked pages. Blind stamp to title page. Minor wear to corners of jacket. Ships daily.
Item Price
$58.80
$4.99 shipping to USA