Official Soviet Identity evolved in relation to the dramatic events of this period. By 1953 a successful and resilient version of Sovietness had emerged that stressed the peace-loving diplomatic identity of the USSR. The cultural aspect of Official Soviet Identity was less compelling, particularly when faced with a dynamic opponent such as the USA. The USSR collapsed when enough people decided they no longer wanted to be Soviet. The supra-national narrative of Sovietness was swept away by a tide of nationalist rhetoric, but nationalism was the beneficiary not the cause of the fall

Official Soviet Identity evolved in relation to the dramatic events of this period. By 1953 a successful and resilient version of Sovietness had emerged that stressed the peace-loving diplomatic identity of the USSR. The cultural aspect of Official Soviet Identity was less compelling, particularly when faced with a dynamic opponent such as the USA. The USSR collapsed when enough people decided they no longer wanted to be Soviet. The supra-national narrative of Sovietness was swept away by a tide of nationalist rhetoric, but nationalism was the beneficiary not the cause of the fall