The Threat, the Conventional Balance and Arms Control: The Emerging 'Alternative View' in Europe
Abstract
The 1980s has witnessed the emergence of a rather impressive 'peace faction' in Western Europe. Although disparate, it has not been without its impact on the European debate over security policy. It has also not been without its own intellectuals, security experts and peace researchers, who in turn have had a growing influence on European politics, significantly in the mainstream social democratic and labor parties. This includes shaping opinions on the Soviet threat, on the conventional balance in Europe and on goals and proposals for conventional arms control, especially now in the wake of an agreement banning all intermediate-range nuclear forces (INF). This paper will attempt to synthesize the broad spectrum of thought revolving around the conventional balance and conventional arms control in Europe on the part of European peace advocates. It will ask, and attempt to answer, particular questions in this area, according to the selected writings of European peace researchers, activists and political partisans. These include: Whence is the threat to Europe? Is there a 'Soviet threat'? What is their assessment of the balance in conventional forces in Europe between NATO and the Warsaw Pact, and is it relevant to the issue of the threat to Europe, or does something larger loom? What are their proposals for conventional arms control, and what are the underlying aims? In addition, particular attention will be paid to how peace researchers and 'international security analysts' (such as those found in great abundance in places like RAND) differ greatly in their basic perceptions of the international order and in their basic goals and how this, in turn, colors their respective analyses and proposals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA216960
Entities
People
- Richard A. Bitzinger
Organizations
- RAND Corporation