Brezhnev Doctrine facts for kids

The Brezhnev Doctrine was a rule set by Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev in 1968. It said that the Soviet Union could use its army to keep the Communist Party in power in nearby socialist countries. This policy meant that if a socialist country tried to move away from communism, the Soviet Union felt it had the right to step in.

What Was the Brezhnev Doctrine?

The Brezhnev Doctrine was a foreign policy idea. It was named after Leonid Brezhnev, who was the leader of the Soviet Union at that time. The main point of the doctrine was that the Soviet Union would protect communist rule. It would do this in countries that were already socialist and part of the Soviet sphere of influence.

Why Was This Policy Created?

The Brezhnev Doctrine was first used to explain the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. Before the invasion, Czechoslovakia's leader, Alexander Dubček, started some political changes. These changes were called the "Prague Spring." They aimed to make communism more open and free. The Soviet Union saw these changes as a threat. They worried that Czechoslovakia might leave the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact.

How Was the Doctrine Used?

The Soviet Union used the Brezhnev Doctrine to justify its actions. They sent troops into Czechoslovakia in August 1968. This invasion stopped the reforms of the Prague Spring. The doctrine was very broad. This meant it could be used for many situations. For example, in 1979, the Soviets used it again. They invaded Afghanistan, even though Afghanistan was not a Warsaw Pact nation. This invasion started the Soviet war in Afghanistan.

When Did the Brezhnev Doctrine End?

The Brezhnev Doctrine stayed in effect for many years. It guided Soviet foreign policy towards its allies. However, its power began to fade in the early 1980s. It officially ended with the Soviet reaction to the Polish crisis of 1980–1981. During this crisis, Poland faced widespread protests. The Soviet Union chose not to intervene militarily. This showed a change in their policy. The doctrine was finally abandoned as the Soviet Union itself began to weaken.

See also

In Spanish: Doctrina Brézhnev para niños