Deux ou trois choses à propos du nouveau maître de la diplomatie soviétique
In: Politique étrangère: revue trimestrielle publiée par l'Institut Français des Relations Internationales, Band 50, Heft 3, S. 647-652
ISSN: 1958-8992
A Look at the New Master of Soviet Diplomacy, by S. Kartveli
The choice of Eduard Shevardnadze to replace Andrei Gromyko cornes as a surprise. Nothing would seem to have predisposed this provincial apparatchik to diplomacy. However, his choice is perhaps well-considered and rational. A reformist, he was already practicing Gorbachevism in his previous functions before the advent of Gorbachev. He is a confidant of Gorbachev and a man of proven talents as a negotiator and political manipulator. In a world where image and appearance are often of paramount importance, the choice of Shevardnadze is also sound. He personifies the new breed of young, strong, reformist administrator, who is also less Russian and more authentically multinational. In the Russian subconscious, the prototype of a Georgian is a mixture of seducer, hunter, brave and vengeful fighter, and stubborn highlander with the soûl of an actor. Gorbachev undoubtedly took ail these factors into account in making his choice.