The Impact of the Foreign Policy Role on the Soviet Navy of Year 2000,
Abstract
An analysis of the relationship between the Soviet Union's foreign policy and the nature of its Navy is conducted through a review of major naval construction periods and deployment patterns. A high degree of correlation is found between Soviet foreign policy vis a vis the Third World and the structure and employment of the Russian Navy since the early 1960s. This essay will bring to light seven periods of Russia's history where her Navy has dominated the Army as the primary instrument of foreign policy. The focus of the essay will be the last of these periods, which began during the early Khrushchev era and continues today. The Soviet Navy's peacetime foreign policy mission is supported by a complex infrastructure including a global nuclear capability, and extensive system of foreign military assistance, the use of proxy forces and the Russian civil maritime and air assets. Today's Soviet naval construction programs indicate they intend to have a significant American-style carrier battle group presence concentrated in the oceanic areas of the Third World by year 2000. Further, this carrier battle group capability will emphasize offensive power projection, allowing their foreign policy to become significantly more aggressive vis a vis the United States and other Western powers. As a counter, our naval planners must consider more than just the 'warfighting' missions when justifying the U.S. Navy of the future. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 14, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA165460
Entities
People
- Don C. East
Organizations
- Naval War College