Arms Control: The Common Denominator in Superpower Relations

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to highlight arms control as a mutually shared interest in superpower relations. Chapter I addresses US foreign policy vis-a-vis the USSR and vice versa, and focuses on current superpower national interests. Today, the USSR is preoccupied with economic development and is providing the US with unique opportunities in arms control concessions. The US is concerned with stimulating its economy as well and in reducing federal budget deficits. Chapter II focuses on the specifics of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Force (INF) Treaty. A review of the background since 1977 leading up to the treaty is presented followed by specific terms of the treaty to include the types pf missile systems, timetables and methods of elimination, and the mutual verification scenario. Personnel requirements to implement the treaty are also presented. Chapter III addresses the impact of the INF treaty on NATO doctrine and force employment. Current criticisms of the treaty that relate to the resulting military balance in Europe and US commitment to NATO are presented. US/NATO and Soviet/Warsaw Pact thinking on such areas as defense sufficiency, modernization, and future arms control agreements is also covered.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA202641

Entities

People

  • Nicholas J. Drobot

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Arms Control
  • Cold War
  • Cruise Missiles
  • Deployment
  • Economic Systems
  • International Law
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Warheads
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • Ussr
  • War Colleges
  • Western Europe

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

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