To what extent was the development of the post-Stalin thaw in superpower relations between 1953

and 1962 the result of Khrushchev’s policy of ‘Peaceful Coexistence’?

The post-Stalin thaw in superpower relations between 1953 and 1962 could have been a result of
Khrushchev’s policy of ‘Peaceful Coexistence’ which was the idea of existing peacefully with
capitalist states and was adopted by communist countries. As a change in leadership took place after
Stalin’s death in 1953, it could be argued that that was one of the reasons which led to the thaw
taking place. However, it could have been a result of other factors, such as Eisenhower becoming
president and his ‘New Look’ policy. On the other hand, it could be argued if a thaw did take place
because of the factors that took place which caused disruptions such as the crash of the U-2 plane
over the USSR and the building of the Berlin wall in 1961, which could be seen as having significant
effect on superpower relations.

To some degree it could be argued that Khrushchev’s policy of ‘Peaceful Coexistence’ led to the
post-Stalin thaw. As ‘Peaceful Coexistence’ was a policy of two states existing peacefully than being
hostile towards each other, which could have had an impact in leading to the post-Stalin thaw. As
the idea of having nuclear war was too dangerous, the USA and the USSR would have to be able to
accept each other’s existence. This is shown when Khrushchev said that ‘There are only two ways –
either Peaceful Coexistence or the most destructive war in History. There is no third way.’
Khrushchev’s idea of Peaceful Coexistence therefore shows that he wanted to decrease the tensions
between the two countries which did lead to the thaw.

However it could be argued that it was not only Khrushchev’s policy which led to the thaw, but the
fact that the policy of Peaceful Coexistence had an influence from Malenkov’s previous policy. As
the term ‘Peaceful Coexistence’ was previously used by Malenkov and Beria, this suggests that it was
Malenkov’s original idea which added to the thaw. Not only Malenkov has an impact but Beria as
well. Beria offered the West a proposal for a reunified, neutral Germany, arguing that ‘All we want is
a peaceful Germany and it makes no difference to us whether or not it is socialist.’ This shows that
not only Malenkov contributed to the thaw but Beria also.