Date of Award

4-1981

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Dr. George R. Klein

Second Advisor

Dr. Roy Olton

Third Advisor

Dr. Jack Plano

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

This study examines the role of aid in Soviet policy toward Ghana during the Nkrumah era. Since aid is seen as a means to counter Western and Chinese influence, the paper seeks to establish the extent to which Soviet foreign policy met its goals in Ghana. It also examines the actions of other nations which had vested interests that ran counter to Soviet aspirations. An argument is made that in so far as Soviet aid was used as a response to Western influence it was an inadequate instrument of policy due to its insignificant quantity. In so far as it was used to counter Chinese influence, it was handicapped by its operational methods which were less lenient. The paper concludes that Soviet aid was a failure in its challenge against the West but was successful in enhancing Ghana's political autonomy and bargaining position with the West.

Share

COinS