In the given statement, Mikhail Gorbachev uses a metaphor to describe a situation where certain individuals or groups within the United States are causing damage to the relationship between the Soviet Union and the United States. These people are described as driving nails into this delicate structure but then cutting off the heads of these nails, making it difficult for others to identify who is responsible for the damage. Gorbachev suggests that the Soviets must use their teeth, implying determination and perseverance, to extract these hidden issues from the relationship.
On a deeper level, this quote reflects the complexities of international diplomacy during the Cold War era. It highlights the challenges faced in maintaining stable relations between nations when there are internal forces at play within one country that seek to disrupt or harm those relationships. The metaphor of nails being driven into a structure represents subtle yet significant acts of sabotage, while cutting off their heads symbolizes the obfuscation and concealment of these actions from public view. By suggesting the need for teeth to remove these hidden issues, Gorbachev underscores the importance of resilience and determination in addressing and resolving such challenges.
The quote is attributed to Mikhail Gorbachev, who served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985 until its dissolution in 1991. Known for his efforts to reform and liberalize Soviet policies through a series of reforms collectively known as "Perestroika" (restructuring) and "Glasnost" (openness), Gorbachev played a pivotal role in the end of the Cold War and the transformation of Eastern Europe during the late 1980s. His leadership aimed at improving relations with the West, including the United States, which explains his keen interest in addressing the barriers to better international cooperation.
