Epitaph for Brezhnev
Epitaph for Brezhnev by Paul McLean is a detailed exploration of a 1980 initiative by the East German Politburo aimed at seizing West Berlin. Published by Austin Macauley Publishers Limited in March 2023, this edition spans 406 pages and is presented in English. The narrative delves into the serious intentions of East German leader Erich Honecker and his government, juxtaposed against the Soviet Union’s reluctance to support such a move due to geopolitical concerns, including the upcoming Moscow Olympics and the situation in Afghanistan.
Readers will find a complex interplay of political intrigue as the story unfolds two years later, with Leonid Brezhnev nearing the end of his life. The plot thickens with Yuri Andropov’s plan to revive Honecker’s initiative, raising questions about the potential Western response to this bold strategy. The book engages with themes of mystery and suspense, offering insights into the dynamics of power within the context of Cold War tensions.
Official synopsis Publisher
Contained within the numerous items on display at the DDR Museum in Berlin is a brief though detailed account of a 1980 initiative on the part of the East German Politburo whereby the objective of this initiative was the seizure, by force, of West Berlin. Although the East German leader Erich Honecker and his colleagues in government were serious as regards to their incorporating West Berlin into East Germany, the Soviet Union, at that time, did not share the East German enthusiasm, due to the potential impact any invasion of West Berlin might have had on the Moscow Olympics and also because Brezhnev was conscious of Soviet presence in Afghanistan.
However, two years later, with Leonid Brezhnev close to death, there are shenanigans afoot involving his would-be successors. One of the gambits is a plan by Yuri Andropov to resurrect the Erich Honecker initiative and deliver West Berlin for the Warsaw Pact. How would the West respond if this audacious Andropov power grab strategy was put into practice?
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Epitaph for Brezhnev” about?
Who is the author of “Epitaph for Brezhnev”?
When was “Epitaph for Brezhnev” published?
What is the ISBN for “Epitaph for Brezhnev”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
