Russia's treaties of friendship and cooperation in Asia

Abstract

The increasing drive of all nations to achieve political and economic independence is acutely felt in Asia. As the Asian nations attempt to grow, major powers offer various types of assistance, with or without conditions attached, It is increasingly important to comprehend the implications of any treaty that becomes effective for an Asian nation. The Soviet Union utilizes the Treaty of Friendship, Co-operation and Mutual Assistance to legitimize and legalize aspects of its foreign policy: military material and personnel assistance; counter the major power influence; increase Soviet security; political and economic actions. This thesis examines the Treaty of Friendship, Co-operation and Mutual Assistance and its application in Asia. It examines four Asian signatories of this type of Soviet treaty: Afghanistan, India, Mongolia, Vietnam. The examination attempts to identify those areas of Soviet Asian foreign policy that have been aided by the Treaty of Friendship, Co-operation and Mutual Assistance,