Khrushchev's UN Visit
Nikita Khrushchev's visit to the United Nations in 1960 marked a significant moment in Cold War history, occurring during a period of economic difficulties for the Soviet Union and escalating tensions with the United States. As Khrushchev sought to project an image of a strong statesman, he initially advocated for disarmament and détente, a strategy to ease Cold War hostilities. However, his visit became infamous due to his erratic behavior, including pounding his shoe on the desk and interrupting other delegates, behaviors that detracted from his diplomatic image and heightened global tensions.
The backdrop to Khrushchev's visit included the recent downing of a U.S. spy plane by Soviet forces, which had already strained U.S.-Soviet relations. His confrontational demeanor at the UN not only affected his reputation internationally but also led to perceptions of instability within the Soviet leadership, contributing to his eventual ousting in 1964. This event set the stage for increased Cold War tensions and was a precursor to the Cuban Missile Crisis, illustrating the fragile state of international relations during this era.
Khrushchev's UN Visit
Date: September 20-October 13, 1960
At the general assembly of the United Nations, Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev attacked the West before an audience of Third World leaders and presented himself as the champion of newly independent nations.
Origins and History
Nikita Khrushchev’s first visit to the United Nations came at a time when the Soviet economy was experiencing difficulties. He had announced a third round of major cuts in Soviet military strength, an act resented by his generals, and the nuclear arms race was escalating to the disadvantage of the Soviet Union. By taking center stage at the United Nations, the Soviet leader hoped to deflect increasing domestic criticism. In May, 1960, a few months before Khrushchev’s UN visit, U.S.-Soviet relations had soured when Soviet armed forces had shot down a U-2 spy plane belonging to the United States.
At first, Khrushchev played the role of a statesman at the United Nations. He called for disarmament and the continuation of détente. However, his visit became best known for the boorish precedents he set. During a speech by UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld, he pounded his fists on his desk, interrupted other speakers with shouts, shook his finger at one delegate, and on three occasions pounded his desk with his shoe.
Impact
His behavior undermined Khrushchev’s stature as a statesman. His confrontational approach heightened Cold War tensions and led to the Cuban Missile Crisis. At home, his opponents became increasingly convinced that they were dealing with an unstable man, whom they ousted in 1964.
Additional Information
Edward Crankshaw provides more details about this event in Khrushchev: A Career (1966), the standard biography of Khrushchev. In Khrushchev Remembers: The Last Testament (1974), edited by Strobe Talbott, the Soviet leader remains unrepenitent for his behavior and maintains that his actions were in defense of Third World countries.