Meaning: The quote by Ken Follett reflects on the hindsight view of the Soviet Union's aspirations for world domination and the lack of awareness about their chances at the time. It encapsulates the shift in perspective that occurs when looking back at historical events and decisions. To fully understand the implications of this quote, it is important to delve into the context of the Soviet Union's history, its ambitions, and the global geopolitical landscape at the time.

The Soviet Union, established in 1922, aimed to spread communist ideology and exert influence on a global scale. Under the leadership of Joseph Stalin, the Soviet Union sought to expand its sphere of influence and challenge the dominance of Western powers, particularly the United States. This led to a period of intense rivalry and tension known as the Cold War, characterized by ideological, political, and military confrontations between the two superpowers.

During the early decades of the Cold War, there was a pervasive sense of uncertainty and fear regarding the Soviet Union's intentions and capabilities. The world witnessed the Soviet Union's rapid expansion of its military, the development of nuclear weapons, and its support for communist movements in various regions. This led many in the West to perceive the Soviet Union as a formidable and potentially unstoppable force.

In the quote, Ken Follett acknowledges that at the time, there was a lack of certainty about the Soviet Union's prospects for global dominance. The prevailing sentiment was one of apprehension and apprehensiveness about the Soviet Union's ambitions and the potential threat it posed to the existing world order. The fear of Soviet expansionism and the spread of communism fueled policies such as containment and the arms race, as the West sought to counter the perceived Soviet threat.

However, with the benefit of hindsight, it becomes evident that the Soviet Union's quest for world domination was ultimately doomed to fail. The inherent weaknesses of the Soviet system, including economic inefficiencies, internal dissent, and the erosion of ideological fervor, eventually contributed to the unraveling of the Soviet empire. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of the Cold War and the demise of the superpower rivalry that had defined global politics for decades.

Follett's quote encapsulates the irony of historical perspective. From the vantage point of the present, it is clear that the Soviet Union's aspirations for world domination were untenable, and its eventual downfall was inevitable. However, at the time, the prevailing sentiment was one of uncertainty and concern about the Soviet Union's perceived strength and expansionist agenda.

In conclusion, Ken Follett's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the shifting nature of historical understanding. It prompts us to reflect on how our perceptions of past events and geopolitical realities can change with the passage of time. The quote encapsulates the paradox of hindsight, where what was once perceived as a formidable threat is now recognized as a failed ambition. It invites us to consider the limitations of our contemporary understanding and the humbling effect of hindsight on our views of history.