ABSTRACT
The transitional phase in Soviet politics, following the death of Brezhnev on 10 November 1982, also represented a period of insecurity and indecision for the development of Soviet-American relations. Hopes that the leadership change in the Kremlin might bring about a renewal of the dialogue among the world powers soon proved disappointing. The continuing disputes over Soviet intermediate-range armament in Europe, the discussion of modernization as part of the NATO dual-track decision of 12 December 1979, the persisting Soviet presence in Afghanistan, the situation in Poland, and the difficulties in East-West trade repeatedly gave rise to new mutual accusations and charges. And the domestic political conditions in the US and in the USSR hardly promoted an intensification and improvement of Soviet-American relations either.
