Civil-Military Relations in the Soviet Union: Poised for Conflict
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to examine civil military relations in the Soviet Union concluding with the August 1991 coup. Using a historical backdrop and existing case studies, it was illustrated that the military and political leadership had both conflict and consensus in their relationship. In an attempt to revive the stagnating Soviet economy, Gorbachev launched radical reforms under the guise of glasnost, perestroika and new thinking. These changes had a significant impact on civil military relations. Considerable access to the defense decision making process was provided to a number of civilian institutions reducing the military's autonomy in military affairs. Glasnost provided the impetus for scrutiny and criticism of previous military policies demoralizing the military leadership. Splits in the officer corps resulted from the enhanced political participation supported by Gorbachev. Lower and middle ranking officers in favor of reform became disillusioned with the conservatism of the High Command. The degree of conflict increased between the military and Gorbachev as concessions on arms control agreements, the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe, and the deteriorating control over the republics had the military in a state flux. Gorbachev's persistence lead to the collapse of Communist power and the ideology to which the military was bound. Further concessions made to the republics created a power vacuum in Moscow. With no economic recovery in sight, and an impending Union Treaty that would have divulged further military control to the republics, the disgruntled High Command pledged its support to the coup d'etat.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA246176
Entities
People
- Kurt W. Ziebarth
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School