Historically, Peaceful coexistence has been previously defined by the Soviet Union during the Cold War; synthesized into a theory where different groups, communities, or nations with different ideologies that widely differ attempt to compete and “coexist” with the other, without war.
On the 20th commission of the Communist Party Soviet Union this policy was solidified by Nikita Kruschev. This theory affirms that communist countries could reach a point of peace. As it was strong enough to rise and succeed without the need of conflict, between socialists and capitalists.
The policy supported by Krushcev (President USSR from 1958-1964, suggested:
Diplomacy would be used to dissolve tensions between superpowers, rather than aggression and violence.
Satellite states had to be kept under Soviet Control
Germany had to be kept under control, so it had to be prevented from rearming.
Reduction of expenses regarding military, meaning that nuclear capabilities had to be equal for both superpowers.
These and other points were stated, with the purpose of reducing violence. As well as, finding a balance point between the countries, and those who followed communist ideologies.
However, this policy and apparent desire for peace between countries was soon desveild by the actions committed by Stalin’s successor. That followed a line where all his actions were directed to the growth of Russia.
Russia, mainly focused in the build up of its own power, and continued to use force when facing reforms from other countries, providing aid to the supporters of the communist ideology, waging propaganda from capitalista countries, started a space and military race between the Soviet nation and the USA; And finally the creation of the Warsaw Pact, which in a away opposed NATO.
Kruschev had been seen as the representation of thaw, and a hope for the ending of the Cold War. Nonetheless, he was Stalin’s right hand, meaning that he had a say in the actions committed during WWII, and wasn’t in agreement with the “peaceful coexistence” that he had previously aimed for. Hence, opening the period with most tension between the USA and the USSR.
So, even though Kruschev attempted a thaw, and tried to De-stalinize Russia, by showing how grandiose it was and could be, he kept using propaganda and fear for the development and proper functioning of the economy and military. That constantly worked to prevent the imminent threat caused by the United States and its capitalist counterparts. Additionally the goals that the president followed were the same as Stalin’s not allowing coexistence.
After the Cold War, and throughout the past years, other nations used peaceful coexistence for the resolution, prevention, or reduction of possible hostilities of ongoing conflicts. Some examples are:
The Arab- Israeli Conflict
Nigeria: Peaceful Coexistence between Christians and Muslims
Peaceful coexistence in the Middle-East due to Islam
Among others, including the Austrian State Treaty:
“On May 15, 1955, representatives of the governments of the Soviet Union, Great Britain, the United States, and France signed a treaty that granted Austria independence and arranged for the withdrawal of all occupation forces. These governments signed the agreement with the understanding that the newly independent state of Austria would declare its neutrality, creating a buffer zone between the East and the West. The Austrian State Treaty was the only treaty signed by both the Soviet Union and United States in the decade after the 1947 Paris Peace Treaties, and it marked the only Cold War era withdrawal by the Soviet Union from a territory it occupied.” According to the State.gov website, which explains the culmination of Austria’s division after World War II.
The later examples show how efficient peaceful coexistence can be if implemented with the proper objectives. Not only between nations, but also between religious groups and other communities.
The United States seem to opt for more peaceful strategies
Recently, Russia invaded Crimea (Former Russian Territory) in 2014, to later in february 2022 launch a full invasion which has caused deaths, migration, infrastructural damage, among other consequences of the use of military equipment and forces. The EU quickly reacted and has taken Ukraine’s side, as it has provided humanitarian and financial support to the European country. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) has previously stated that “the Alliance will not flinch in defending itself, yet it harbours no offensive intentions vis-à-vis Russia.”(https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/russia%E2%80%99s-war-against-ukraine-where-do-we-stand-and-what-can-future-bring_en)
The present has shown rejection against Russia’s action and both the EU, and NATO plan to impose harsh sanctions.
On March 8, 2022 as most organizations and alliances showed support towards the Ukrainian Government, Russia called for Return to Peaceful Coexistence (via Interfax) to the US. Nonetheless, according to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (via Bloomberg, May 2022) “Russia’s break with all the norms of peaceful coexistence, especially the European peace order, the deliberate destruction of humanitarian law: all this is a radical turning point in the international order,” expressing that the actions caused by Russia will let mark in European history and territories for years.
To synthesize, Russia has consistently shown a desire of peaceful coexistence, but has itself ruptured its own desires. This way, becoming a prime example of unsuccessful competition without war. Despite this, this type of coexistence can be achieved with proper motivations and objectives that contribute to the development and well-being of a country. Again, as neighbors, countries must try to cohabitate with other nations regardless of their dislike of the nations or their ideologies.
References
Khrushchev Thaw and Peaceful Coexistence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qaU1Eq5OlQ
Peaceful Coexistance https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences/applied-and-social-sciences-magazines/peaceful-coexistence
On Peaceful Coexistence https://www.jstor.org/stable/20029395
By Natalia Pérez
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