The Soviet Union, the Un and World Trade

ing the United Nations’ work in the field of international trade. The U.S.S.R. apparently has developed an increased interest in this work and has played a much more active role in it. Soviet representatives now participate in many United Nations’ organs which they previously boycotted, and their speeches and actions lack the stridently propagandistic tone which characterized those of Soviet delegates in an earlier period. The U.S.S.R. has even attempted to seize the initiative in some areas through the introduction of new, f ar-reaching proposals. These Soviet actions could offer opportunities for expanding the United Nations’ work in international trade. They could also threaten Western dominance of this work and American leadership in it, which until recently have been unchallenged. Further, as these actions involve an increased role for communist countries whose attitude toward international trade is different from that of noncommunist countries - particularly from that of the United States - they necessarily will affect the United Nations’ work, conceivably modifying its orientation. Therefore, they deserve careful examination and consideration. Perhaps the new Soviet policy can more easily be understood by viewing it in its historical context. This might help to clarify the policy’s underlying rationale and motivations and to facilitate evaluation of its possible impact. For analysis, Soviet policy concerning the United Nations’ work in international trade can be divided into three periods. ( 1 ) During the world organization’s formative stages from 1944 through 1947, the Soviets abstained from most of the UN’s activities. (2) During the height of the cold war from 1948 through 1952, the Soviets continued their abstention from the actual work of the UN, but also used the organization as a forum for violent criticism of Western policy. (3) During the period since 1953, the Soviets have assumed a vastly increased role in the UN’s activities, although they have not completely abandoned their earlier policies of abstention and criticism. II

Economics · International trade · Political science · Politics · Soviet union · Global Peace and Security Dynamics · Global trade and economics · Law · World Trade Organization Law

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