Soviet Attitudes Toward MBFR Past History and Future Prospects
Abstract
Negotiations between NATO and Warsaw Pact countries for a mutual reduction of forces in Central Europe have begun. In view of domestic pressures for a reduction of US forces in Europe, the prospects for agreement upon a mutual reduction are largely dependent upon Soviet attitudes. Some insight into those attitudes is discernible from a review of Soviet policy and pronouncements since World War II. Stalin maintained strong conventional forces to offset US strategic superiority; Khrushchev reduced Soviet forces but not proportionally in Eastern Europe; and Brezhne-Kosygin avoided the issue until unilateral US reductions were imminent. Current Soviet views are also explored through the published papers of individuals and institutions which, presumably, reflect the Kremlin's viewpoint. They indicate a favorable climate for mutual force reductions but only on the "principle of parity". The future prospects are then reviewed, considering such factors as Soviet strategic parity, Ostpolitik, cohesion of the "socialist" bloc, military political influence, SinoSoviet relations, Soviet manpower and economic problems, and the progress of detente. The conclusion is that some form of limited force reductions will be agreed upon the current negotiations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 11, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0778915
Entities
People
- John R. Davis
Organizations
- United States Army War College