Meaning: This quote by Zbigniew Brzezinski, a prominent U.S. politician and foreign policy strategist, reflects on the significant impact of the Soviet Union's involvement in the war in Afghanistan during the 1980s. The quote highlights the strain that the conflict placed on the Soviet government, ultimately contributing to the demoralization and eventual collapse of the Soviet empire. To understand the full context and implications of this quote, it is important to explore the background of the Soviet-Afghan War and its broader geopolitical consequences.

The Soviet-Afghan War began in December 1979 when the Soviet Union, under the leadership of General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev, deployed troops to Afghanistan in support of the communist government. The Soviet intervention was aimed at propping up the Afghan government and suppressing the growing insurgency by the mujahideen, who were backed by the United States, Pakistan, and other Western countries. What was initially envisioned as a swift and decisive military campaign turned into a protracted and costly conflict for the Soviet Union.

Brzezinski's quote captures the protracted nature of the war and its toll on the Soviet government. The conflict dragged on for almost a decade, exacting a heavy human and economic cost on the Soviet Union. The war not only strained the Soviet military and economy but also sparked domestic opposition and dissent, leading to demoralization within the ranks of the Soviet armed forces and the general population.

The phrase "unsupportable by the government" in Brzezinski's quote sheds light on the internal challenges faced by the Soviet leadership in sustaining the war effort. The war placed immense pressure on the Soviet government, diverting resources and attention away from domestic priorities and exacerbating existing social and economic problems. The inability of the government to effectively manage the war and its consequences contributed to a sense of disillusionment and discontent among the Soviet populace.

Furthermore, Brzezinski's assertion that the war brought about the "demoralization and finally the breakup of the Soviet empire" underscores the broader impact of the conflict on the Soviet Union's stability and cohesion. The prolonged military engagement in Afghanistan exacerbated existing internal fissures and discontent within the diverse Soviet republics, particularly as the human and financial costs of the war became increasingly apparent.

The demoralization and disillusionment stemming from the war in Afghanistan were compounded by a range of other factors, including economic stagnation, political repression, and the erosion of ideological legitimacy. These cumulative pressures ultimately contributed to the unraveling of the Soviet empire and the emergence of independence movements across the constituent republics.

In conclusion, Zbigniew Brzezinski's quote encapsulates the profound repercussions of the Soviet-Afghan War on the Soviet Union. The conflict imposed unsustainable burdens on the Soviet government, leading to demoralization within the country and contributing to the eventual collapse of the Soviet empire. By examining the historical context and consequences of the war, we gain insight into the complex dynamics that shaped the final years of the Soviet Union and its eventual dissolution.

The Soviet-Afghan War serves as a poignant example of how external military interventions can have far-reaching and unintended consequences, impacting not only the immediate conflict zone but also the internal dynamics and stability of the intervening power. Brzezinski's quote stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the war and its role in shaping the geopolitics of the late 20th century.