Abstract

SOVIETICUS

Denying that the Soviet Union can change for the better, or that it ever has, is a longstanding tradition in the U.S. There is a important role played by American institutions and groups that for years have zealously promoted and thrived on the popular image of an unchanged and unchangeable Soviet Union. They include the military-industrial complex, legions of professional cold-warriors and self-described national security intellectuals, certain Jewish organizations and an array of other special interests. Any acknowledged improvement in the Soviet system threatens their political, economic and ideological well-being. In fact, for many such groups and individuals, the necessity of eternal cold war against the Soviet Union is theological rather than analytical, and thus can never be diminished.