The New Realism: A Fresh Beginning in U.S.-Soviet Relations

With the Cold War dissipating, Homet calls for a U.S. policy of ``constructive detachment'' vis-a-vis the Soviet Union. This means America would pursue its geopolitical self-interest, confronting the U.S.S.R. only when absolutely necessary and scaling down its military role as global super-cop. Normalized trade relations, depoliticized cultural exchanges and a minimum nuclear deterrence would undergird this new relationship. Diplomat Homet, who clearly knows his way around the chessboard of international politics, appraises Gorbachev's incremental reforms and concludes that a reformed, efficient Soviet Union would be much less destabilizing to the U.S. than a fragmented, floundering ``evil empire.'' These graceful essays reward with their wide-angled historical perspective and political acuity. (Sept.)