Meaning: This quote by Stephen Cohen, a prominent educator and historian, highlights the missed opportunities in international relations that arose during the tenure of Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union. Gorbachev's leadership marked a significant shift in Soviet policies, both domestically and internationally, leading to a period of unprecedented change and openness in the USSR. However, as Cohen points out, these opportunities were not fully seized, and much of the blame is placed on the actions of the United States.

Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership, particularly his policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), ushered in a new era of cooperation and communication between the Soviet Union and the rest of the world. His willingness to engage in dialogue and negotiate with Western powers presented a unique opportunity for improved international relations, potentially leading to a more peaceful and collaborative global landscape. However, as Cohen suggests, these opportunities were not fully realized.

It is essential to understand the context in which Gorbachev's leadership unfolded. The late 1980s and early 1990s were a time of significant geopolitical change, with the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Gorbachev's reforms aimed to modernize and revitalize the Soviet system, but they also had far-reaching implications for global politics. The potential for a more cooperative and interconnected world seemed within reach.

However, as Cohen implies, the United States' response to Gorbachev's overtures and the changes in the Soviet Union were not always conducive to fostering improved international relations. The U.S. government's approach to the post-Cold War era, particularly its policies towards Russia and its former satellite states, has been a subject of debate and criticism. Some argue that the U.S. missed opportunities to engage constructively with Gorbachev and his successors, potentially contributing to a more adversarial relationship between the two countries.

One of the key points of contention is the expansion of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, into former Soviet bloc countries. The expansion of NATO into Eastern Europe, a move that was initiated in the 1990s and continues to this day, has been seen by some as a missed opportunity to build a more inclusive and cooperative security framework in Europe. Instead, it has been viewed as a source of tension and mistrust between Russia and the West, potentially undermining the positive momentum that could have been generated from Gorbachev's overtures.

Cohen's critique of the United States in this context raises important questions about the role of major powers in shaping the trajectory of international relations. It prompts us to consider how different decisions and policies could have led to a more collaborative and peaceful global order. By highlighting the missed opportunities stemming from Gorbachev's initiatives, Cohen's quote encourages reflection on the complexities of international diplomacy and the potential consequences of actions taken, or not taken, by influential nations.

In conclusion, Stephen Cohen's quote underscores the significance of the opportunities presented by Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership for international relations. It also serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of missed opportunities and the role of major powers, such as the United States, in shaping the course of global diplomacy. Reflecting on these insights can provide valuable lessons for understanding historical events and informing future approaches to international relations.