The Defense Policy of the Soviet Union

Abstract

This Note offers a synoptic review of the defense policy of the Soviet Union, including discussions of the organizational framework and pattern of Soviet defense decision making, key elements of Soviet military doctrine and strategy for intercontinental and theater warfare, recent developments in Soviet and conventional forces, and the Soviet approach to arms control. Sources include reports and analyses by U.S. and Soviet scholars and the author's own research and observations made during recent visits to the Soviet Union. Owing to profound domestic economic and political crises, the strength of the Soviet Union is being questioned at home and abroad. Although the military continues to exert important influence and expertise in defense matters, even under the current restructuring (perestroika) the senior party leadership makes the final decisions. Keywords: National defense, Decision making, Military doctrine, Military forces(Foreign), Arms control, Foreign policy.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA214483

Entities

People

  • Edward L. Warner Iii

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Anti-Vehicle Weapons
  • Attack Helicopters
  • Ballistic Missile Submarines
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Employment
  • Geography
  • International Relations
  • Military History
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Naval Operations
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • Treaties
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Economics
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Political Science/ International Relations/ European Studies