Soviet Economic Growth, Military Buildup, and Diplomatic Relations: A Historical Analysis

Abstract

This article explores the economic development, arms race, and diplomatic relations of the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 1930s. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Soviet Union experienced revolution and civil war, and its economy almost collapsed, but it later achieved recovery through the New Economic Policy (NEP). In the mid-1920s, after Stalin came to power, the Soviet Union began implementing a five-year plan with the goal of rapid industrialization and agricultural collectivization. During this period, the Soviet economy underwent fundamental changes. In terms of military affairs, the Soviet Union accelerated its military construction to respond to domestic and international security threats, and began to participate in the international arms race. In diplomacy, the Soviet Union attempted to expand its influence and export revolution. The international hostile situation has intensified its confrontation with the West.