The Challenges of the 1980's: Some Trends and Implications.
Abstract
This memorandum examines some of the major trends in international relations that should confront the United States during the decade of the 1980's and analyzes the implications of those trends upon US national interests. The author concentrates on five major trends: the likelihood that Soviet activity in the Third World will not abate but increase during the coming decade; the political, economic, and strategic importance of the Third World to the United States; the growing lack of cohesion and agreement upon objectives within US traditional alliances; the proliferation of arms transfers; and, the increasing potential for domestic conflicts and crises of internal authority within the Third World nations that are strategically important to the United States. The author concludes that, because it is impossible to predict with any degree of accuracy how these major trends will ultimately unravel, the United States will require a more flexible strategy and force structure than currently exists.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA098159
Entities
People
- Keith A. Dunn
Organizations
- United States Army War College