An evaluation of Soviet efforts to penetrate the major regions in the southern hemisphere, concluding that success has been modest and continues to be costly. It is suggested that a world society could emerge based on socio-economic and political competition rather than conflict and arms races.

Part 1 The Soviet Union and the developing world - a global perspective. Part 2 The Soviet Union and the developing world - a regional perspective: Latin America; East and Southeast Asia; South and Southwest Asia; Middle East and North Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa. Part 3 The USSR and the developing countries; the United States and the developing countries.