Q&A ยท 1:08:46-1:09:17

Would Lenin's suspicion of the West prevent treaty participation?

Lenin is judged more pragmatic than Stalin about the advantages of joining the Washington treaty system.

Question

Would Lenin's suspicion of the Western powers make him demand more before joining the Washington treaty system?

Short answer

He is judged slightly more pragmatic than Stalin and likely to see advantages in participation despite that suspicion.

Notes

Western efforts to overthrow Lenin's government form the objection to assuming he would readily join a treaty. The reply makes a limited comparison with Stalin: Lenin is judged more pragmatic in this particular matter. That pragmatism could make the advantages of treaty participation attractive despite mutual suspicion.