The article examines the view from the United States on the «era of stagnation» in the USSR. The aim of this article is to identify which elements formed the images of L.I. Brezhnev and his entourage that prevailed in the highest echelon of the US administration, to determine how adequate American perceptions of the processes that took place in the Soviet corridors of power were, and from these positions to assess whether the change of power in the Kremlin affected the adjustment of the US political course. To do this, we used the methods of imagology and modern comparative studies, as well as traditional methods for historical research. The article notes that the prevailing images of L.I. Brezhnev and his entourage in the United States consisted of many elements: his political authority, personal qualities, the degree of influence on the adjustment of ideological priorities, the role in making strategic decisions, the ability to attract supporters, as well as other aspects, including physical condition. American forecasts about Brezhnev's successors were based on a variety of sources. Their comparison with the diaries and memoirs of Soviet diplomats and statesmen indicates that the level of American awareness of the situation inside the Politburo in connection with the state of Brezhnev's health was generally high, although sometimes this information was approximate, which affected the inaccuracy of conclusions. In particular, until November 10, Washington considered K.U. Chernenko to be the most likely successor to Brezhnev, and concluded that Yu.V. Andropov could be elected Secretary General only after he headed the Commission on funeral arrangements. It is concluded that in connection with the death of Brezhnev, there was no significant change in the American course towards the USSR.
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