M. Gorbachev’s Travels and the Impact of His International Visits

Mikhail Gorbachev, the former highest ranking Soviet official and the 1st and only President of the USSR, traveled extensively during his tenure, both for diplomatic and state tours. These visits had significant implications for international relations and policy during the Cold War era. This article explores some of Gorbachev's notable international trips, including the Geneva Summit, the Reykjavík Summit, and the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, and his first visit to Great Britain in 1984.

Geneva Summit 1985

The Geneva Summit held in Geneva, Switzerland, between November 19 and 20, 1985, was a pivotal moment during the Cold War era. It marked the first meeting between U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. The two leaders discussed international diplomatic relations and the arms race, which were two major concerns of the time.

Reykjavík Summit

The Reykjavík Summit, held in Reykjavík, Iceland, on October 11-12, 1986, followed the Geneva Summit. Talks between Reagan and Gorbachev were centered around limiting the nuclear arms race. Although the summit was followed by heated debates, it ultimately led to the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty).

Signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces INF Treaty

The INF Treaty, formally titled the Treaty Between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Elimination of Their Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles, was a significant agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union and its successor state, the Russian Federation. This treaty aimed to limit the proliferation of land-based intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles. The treaty was signed on December 8, 1987, in Washington D.C., and was ratified by both nations on June 1, 1988.

By May 1991, the Soviet Union and the United States had eliminated 2,692 missiles, with a 10-year period of on-site verification inspections to ensure compliance. However, on October 20, 2018, President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the treaty citing Russian non-compliance.

First Gorbachev Visit to Great Britain in 1984

Before being appointed as the Secretary General of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Gorbachev visited Great Britain in 1984, his first major trip to Europe. Invited by British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Gorbachev's visit had far-reaching implications. At the time, he was seen as a main contender to succeed the 73-year-old Konstantin Chernenko as the leader of the Soviet Union.

Thatcher’s notes following the meetings with Gorbachev revealed that he was a man with whom the West could do business. She described Gorbachev as 'one can do business with, and added, "I actually rather liked him." Thatcher was impressed with Gorbachev's willingness to listen and make genuine dialogue. This visit helped alter the course of the Cold War by convincing both Thatcher and U.S. President Ronald Reagan that Gorbachev had the potential to bring about change in the Soviet Union.

Within days of the meeting, Thatcher flew to Camp David to convince Reagan that Gorbachev would be different from previous Soviet leaders, such as Leonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov, and Konstantin Chernenko.

Mikhail Gorbachev's travels and meetings played a crucial role in shaping the future of the Cold War and international relations. His actions during these visits not only influenced the policies of the time but also set the stage for the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.