Operation Unthinkable: The Missed Opportunity of Post-WWII Soviet Reckoning

As history unfolds, it’s easy to wonder why certain decisions were made. One such instance is the missed opportunity to attack the Soviet Union after World War II. The controversy surrounding this decision continues to be a point of debate among historians and strategists.

Why We Should Have Acted Differently

Given Russia’s current behavior, many argue that the Soviet leadership and military should have been dealt with after World War II. The long-term consequences of allowing Russia to become a nuclear power are evident today. The Russian regime's actions have proven them to be one of the most unprofessional and brutal in history, akin to the Nazis.

From the perspective of the United States and the Western Allies, allowing Russia to continue its expansionist policies without immediate consequences was a significant miscalculation. Had Operation Unthinkable, a secret post-WWII plan to attack the Soviet Union, been executed, the fate of Eastern Europe could have been drastically altered for the better.

The Background: Operation Unthinkable

The genesis of Operation Unthinkable can be traced back to May 1945, when British Prime Minister Winston Churchill ordered the British Armed Forces Joint Planning Staff to develop plans for a potential military action against the Soviet Union. The primary purpose of these plans was to apprehend the expanding Soviet influence in Europe and to potentially drive them back to Siberia.

One key plan involved a surprise attack on Soviet forces stationed in Germany. However, planners concluded that without substantial American assistance, such an operation could likely fail. This assessment emphasized the enormous size of the Soviet forces and the perception of Joseph Stalin's unreliability.

The Deterrent of Political Constraints

The main reason for not carrying out Operation Unthinkable was the overwhelming political pressure against it. The United States and the United Kingdom had just emerged from a protracted and bloody conflict. The idea of another major war, especially with a former ally, was not well-received. Ordinary citizens were exhausted, and the notion that any politician advocating for such a move would face severe backlash can be understood.

Comparisons are often drawn between the enormous mobilization required for World War II and the more recent U.S. military engagements, such as the Vietnam War. During World War II, the U.S. and its allies managed to mobilize millions of soldiers and sailors quickly, significantly affecting the lives of countless families.

Lessons from History

While hindsight is 20/20, the missed opportunity to use military force against the Soviet Union in the immediate post-WWII period has taught us valuable lessons. These lessons are particularly relevant today, where geopolitical tensions with Russia continue to rise.

The belief that “real wars are not like video games” still rings true. Military action carries immense human costs and strategic implications. Every decision must be carefully weighed, considering not just the immediate consequences but the long-term ramifications as well.

Conclusion

Operation Unthinkable remains a fascinating and often controversial topic in military and geopolitical history. While it’s impossible to change the past, understanding this episode can help us make better-informed decisions in the future, especially concerning international relations and security.