A Comparison of U.S. and Soviet Strategic Defensive Doctrine

Abstract

This thesis examines the strategic defensive doctrines of both the Soviet Union and the United States, and further explores the concrete manifestations of the disparities in those doctrines. The evolution of the defensive components of national strategies is traced from the end of World War II to the present, and specific defensive systems are described. The focus is on the impact of strategy on deployment of antiballistic missile systems, antiaircraft defenses, and civil defense programs. A comparison of current strategic defensive deployments highlights the differences in the doctrines adopted by the two nations. While the Soviet Union has deployed substantial defensive systems, the United States has chosen to forego all but minimal antiaircraft defenses. This basic difference in strategic thought may be, in itself, destabilizing. Keywords: Strategic defenses; Antiballistic missiles; Ballistic missiles defense; Antiaircraft defense; Air defense; Civil defense; USSR. (EMK)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA217935

Entities

People

  • Tricia A. Vislay

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anti-Ballistic Missiles
  • Arms Control
  • Defense Industry
  • Defense Systems
  • Early Warning Systems
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Geography
  • Health Services
  • International Law
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Recreation
  • Second World War
  • Treaties
  • Warfare
  • Warning Systems
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Strategic Security Studies