Center of Gravity -- Soviet Union 1989.
Abstract
A center of gravity is something which is held precious by a nation or a power, something which either flows throughout the entity as a cohesive force or something which is so central to the beliefs and values that its loss could result in disassociation or collapse of the power. One popular concept of the Soviet Union is that communist party control of the government is a vital interest and thus forms a center of gravity. With the appearance of relatively extensive changes in Soviet political culture initiated by President Mikhail Gorbachev, is the new center of gravity the same, is it in transition, and if its's changing what are the possible new 'centers'? On a strategy basis a significant change could directly impact what, how and when we target areas for cooperation, competition or potential conflict. Additionally, the center of gravity as an analytical frame of reference may help us understand how threats to the Soviet center of gravity can impact their likely courses of action in force structure and strategy, and produce interactive changing challenges for US strategy. This study will focus on how the changes being made in the Soviet Union today could influence the way we need to plan our future relationship.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA217289
Entities
People
- Jaromir J. Bon
Organizations
- Air War College