MILITARY FORCE AND SOVIET GOALS
Abstract
Methods whereby the Soviets use military power to further political ends are examined. The methods take three principal forms: (1) demonstrations of the existence of military power; (2) threats to use force under circumstances vaguely defined; and (3) the sale of conventional weapons is used to intimidate our NATO allies into considering exclusion of nuclear weapons from their territories. In this connnection, Berlin poses a dilemma for the Soviets: pressure on Berlin enhances the attractiveness of NATO protection, while relative passivity encourages resistance to Soviet demands. As for the sale of weapons, the purchaser could be expected to use them militarily or politically against a member of NATO, CENTO, or SEATO. Aid to emergent nations is considered to be a blow to Western imperialism and therefore a means of weakening capitalism and fostering socialism-and ultimately communism. This review of Soviet employment of power during the Cold War leads to the conclusion that nuclear weapons have not cancelled themselves out (as some claim). Even without war, it is plain that weapons of all kinds will continue to play an important role in international life. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 02, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0267434
Entities
People
- Herbert S. Dinerstein
Organizations
- RAND Corporation