The Strategic Implications of Civil Defense.
Abstract
This memorandum explores the relationship between civil defense, national vulnerabilities and the deterrence of nuclear warfare between the Soviet Union and the United States. The author examines the problems and effectiveness of the major elements of Soviet civil defenses (leadership and population protection; industrial protection; and postattack recovery) to determine whether, and to what extent, the Soviet capabilities undermine crisis stability and deterrence. The proposals of the Carter (PD-41) and Reagan (NSDD-26) administrations to strengthen deterrence and to reduce national destruction should deterrence fail are evaluated to determine whether the United States should augment and modernize its civil defenses. Americans will evacuate high risk areas in the event of a crisis, and it remains the responsibility of government to minimize the chaos and moderate the effects with some prior planning. The costs of such plans, relative to competing strategic military systems and programs, are rather modest. The author is skeptical, however, about the utility and cost-effectiveness of the extensive blast shelter program advocated by some civil defense proponents in the United States. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 05, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA134608
Entities
People
- John M. Weinstein
Organizations
- United States Army War College