Soviet Foreign Policy towards Egypt

Soviet Foreign Policy towards Egypt examines the relationship between the USSR and Egypt from the 1950s through the 1970s, with particular focus on the Nasser period. The book draws on declassified Soviet archives and Egyptian sources to analyze the strategic calculations behind Moscow's engagement with Cairo. The text tracks key turning points in Soviet-Egyptian relations, including the Aswan Dam project, arms deals, economic agreements, and diplomatic maneuvers during multiple Arab-Israeli conflicts. Through detailed case studies, Dawisha reconstructs the decision-making processes in both capitals and examines how each side attempted to advance its interests. This account challenges several established interpretations of Soviet policy in the Middle East during the Cold War period. The work presents evidence questioning assumptions about the USSR's objectives and methods in cultivating Arab allies. The book makes a broader contribution to understanding how superpowers engaged with Third World nations during the Cold War, revealing the complex interplay between ideology, pragmatic interests, and local dynamics in shaping foreign policy outcomes.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Karen Dawisha's overall work: Readers value Dawisha's detailed research and documentation in "Putin's Kleptocracy," citing her extensive use of primary sources and financial records. Many note the book's relevance to current events and its early warnings about Putin's regime. What readers liked: - Clear presentation of complex financial connections - Thorough citations and evidence - Accessible writing style for non-academics - Precise timeline of Putin's rise to power Common criticisms: - Dense material can be overwhelming - Some sections repeat information - Name-heavy passages are difficult to follow - Early chapters require background knowledge of Soviet history Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (890+ ratings) One reader on Goodreads noted: "Like reading a prosecutor's brief - methodical and devastating." An Amazon reviewer wrote: "The sheer volume of details sometimes buries the main narrative." Her earlier books received less attention from general readers, with most reviews coming from academic sources.

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🔹 Karen Dawisha was one of the world's leading experts on Soviet foreign policy and Russian politics, serving as a professor at Miami University and advising both the British House of Commons and U.S. State Department. 🔹 The book examines how Egypt shifted from being the Soviet Union's closest ally in the Arab world during the 1950s and 1960s to breaking ties completely under Anwar Sadat in 1976. 🔹 The research reveals that Soviet military aid to Egypt between 1955-1973 amounted to approximately $7 billion, making Egypt the largest recipient of Soviet military assistance outside the Warsaw Pact. 🔹 Despite massive Soviet investment in the Aswan High Dam project and military support, Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser maintained a policy of "positive neutrality," often frustrating Soviet attempts to gain exclusive influence. 🔹 The author had unprecedented access to Soviet archives and conducted interviews with high-ranking Soviet officials who were directly involved in Egyptian relations, providing unique insights into Soviet decision-making processes.