'Correlation of Forces' in Soviet Usage -- Its Meaning and Implications

Abstract

This technical note assesses in the Soviet context, the operational significance of the concept correlation of forces and draws implications for U. S. policymakers. In the discussion, the concept is examined for its utility in making rational assessments of complex socio-political phenomena both at a global and regional level of analysis. It is argued, on the basis of a survey of Soviet publications, that the concept correlation of forces does not lend itself to quantitative assessment, but rather by virtue of its holistic connotations, represents a highly complex and changing array of factors best expressed in generalized terms.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA059430

Entities

People

  • Arthur A. Zuehlke Jr.
  • Richard E. Pipes

Organizations

  • SRI International

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Arms Control
  • Classification
  • Contracts
  • Department Of Defense
  • Foreign Policy
  • Governments
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • National Security
  • Reasoning
  • Security
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociopolitics
  • United States
  • Ussr
  • Virginia
  • War Colleges

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Organizational Psychology.
  • Strategic Security Studies