Archie Brown Interviewed by Matthew Stadlen

Leading expert on Mikhail Gorbachev Professor Archie Brown argues that the Cold War was not ended because of America’s military and economic strength but by the rise of Gorbachev and the relationships between the main political leaders.

Brown draws on interviews with leading Soviet and British figures from the period to argue that Communist rule would have continued in the Soviet Union and eastern Europe if anyone other than Gorbachev had come to power. He says the strong relationship Margaret Thatcher formed with both Gorbachev and Reagan meant she was able to act as a conduit between the US and the Soviet Union and sell Gorbachev to Washington.

Brown is emeritus professor of politics at the University of Oxford and a fellow of the British Academy. He is author of many books on the Soviet Union and its demise. He was the first person to draw Thatcher’s attention to Gorbachev as a potential reforming leader of the Soviet Union. Here he talks to LBC radio host Matthew Stadlen, a former Telegraph interviewer and BBC presenter.

This event is part a series presented by the British Academy.