To what extent was the development of the post-Stalin thaw in super power relations 1953-1962 the result of Khrushchev's policy of peaceful coexistence?

Following the Geneva Summit in 1955, Khrushchev believed that the Soviet Union could gain by instead of having a policy of hostility, having a policy of peaceful co-existence. However the development of superpower relations between the death of Stalin and the Cuban Missile crisis did not predominantly lie with Khrushchev’s policy. The USSR was but one of two superpowers, and the US foreign policy had a large impact, with considerable changes under Eisenhower and Kennedy. Even within the USSR Khrushchev’s influence on world affairs was not omnipotent, as other senior officials such as Beria could claim that the policy of peaceful coexistence was theirs. Regardless of policy, other factors also caused a development in relations, such as the build-up of nuclear armaments or the contemporary economic realities. Whilst Khrushchev’s policy of peaceful coexistence was indeed significant, overall other factors had a more significant impact overall.

Khrushchev’s policy of peaceful coexistence did indeed bring about significant change. At the twentieth party congress in 1956, the policy was announced, with Khrushchev claiming “There are only two ways- either peaceful co-existence or the most destructive way in history. There is no third way”