Soviet Theater Nuclear Capabilities: The European Nuclear Balance in Transition,

Abstract

This memorandum examined the changing strategic and theater nuclear environment; Soviet theater nuclear force improvements and doctrine; the implications of Soviet theater nuclear buildup for deterrence and the defense of Europe; and NATO's response. The author concludes that the changing balance of theater capabilities has resulted in a devaluation of deterrence, a decline in Western self-confidence, and an increase in NATO's vulnerabilities. The author also contends that if the Soviet Union is unwilling to negotiate a significant reduction intermediate-range nuclear forces that now pose a serious threat to the West, the NATO deployment of Pershing II and cruise missiles will not only help to restore balance to the NATO/Warsaw Pact nuclear equation, but will also enhance deterrence, reduce NATO's vulnerabilities, and thus, will contribute to crisis stability in Europe. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 31, 1983
Accession Number
ADA138988

Entities

People

  • Ryan Kennedy

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Arms Control
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Central Europe
  • Cold War
  • Command And Control
  • Eastern Europe
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Military Science
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • Warfare
  • Western Europe

Readers

  • European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).
  • Strategic Security Studies