Russian & Soviet History, Military Policy

New Thinking in Soviet Military Policy (Chatham House papers)

Name: New Thinking in Soviet Military Policy (Chatham House papers)
Author: Christoph Bluth
ISBN: 9780861871131

by Christoph Bluth

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Overview

For the West, one of the most dramatic consequences of Gorbachev's leadership has been the new style in Soviety military policy and arms control conduct, resulting in the perception of a much reduced military doctrine and capabilities (nuclear and conventional), and their relation to foreign policy objectives and East-West relations. The new concepts of Soviet military doctrine, such as "reasonable sufficiency" and a "defensive" strategy, are analysed in some detail and the implications for the Soviet force posture and Western assessments of the "Soviet Threat" discussed.

Finally, the paper examines Western policy options in arms control and wider aspects of security policy with particular reference to implications for British arms control and defence policy.

Synopsis

For the West, one of the most dramatic consequences of Gorbachev's leadership has been the new style in Soviety military policy and arms control conduct, resulting in the perception of a much reduced military doctrine and capabilities (nuclear and conventional), and their relation to foreign policy objectives and East-West relations. The new concepts of Soviet military doctrine, such as reasonable sufficiency and a defensive strategy, are analysed in some detail and the implications for the Soviet force posture and Western assessments of the Soviet Threat discussed.

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Editorials

Library Journal

A British defense analyst surveys the evolution of contemporary Soviet military doctrine and the capabilities of the Kremlin's nuclear and conventional forces. His rather technical treatment describes a political leadership committed to significant reductions in nuclear weapons and a policy of ``reasonable sufficiency'' in deterrence. The professional military, however, appears somewhat reluctant to adopt these less offensive force structures. Bluth concludes that the new policy direction represents substantive change, not propagandistic deceptions. His analysis closely parallels, and his conclusions corroborate, the findings of Raymond Garthoff's Deterrence and the Revolution in the Soviet Military Doctrine ( LJ 11/15/90). Recommended for academic libraries.-- James R. Kuhlman, Univ. of Georgia Lib., Athens