Soviet instability and doubtful fleet readiness helped keep the country outside the Washington Naval Treaty. International acceptance would have given the Soviet government a strong reason to join. In this counterfactual, Moscow would probably seek parity with Japan, prompting Japanese demands for a larger allowance. The Soviet allocation would have to cover the Pacific, Baltic, Black Sea, and eventually Northern fleets, just as British treaty strength had to serve more geographic commitments than American strength. Soviet participation would also affect Germany and Turkey, raising the possibility of a substantially different treaty system.
Notable Point · 50:38-54:43
Treaty parity would not solve Soviet fleet division
Soviet entry into the Washington Naval Treaty could have offered recognition and a Japanese-sized allowance, but Moscow would still have to divide that strength among separate fleets.