Balance of Forces

I don't remember anyone saying "workers in capitalist countries are helpless without communist rule in Russia" (of course that would be 'silly' as you say). But Francis you seem to be saying that the existence of the USSR was irrelevant to the situation of workers in Britain. I agree that the "crucial factor" for British workers is the balance of forces within Britain but surely you do think that the balance of forces within a nation operates entirely outside the framework of the international balance of forces. I would find that a most curious view. However if you can explain the idea further....