ABSTRACT
Dynamism and continuity have characterized the evolutionary nature of Soviet military doctrine. There is every reason to believe that, despite recent pronouncements, it will continue to evolve in the same manner. Soviet doctrine identifies the principal adversary as imperialism, the main proponent of which is the United States. Ideological assumptions and the dynamic of the Marxist-Leninist dialectic dictate that wars (struggle and competition) will occur both between capitalist (imperialist) states themselves and between those states and underdeveloped, exploited nations. While doctrine and self-interest contend that the Soviet Union and revolutionary states be defended against attack by imperialism, the same imperatives suggest that wars suited to loosening the grip of imperialism in the world and weakening its economic, political and social foundations are altogether proper and just. Thus the Soviet Union is ideologically and practically committed to maintaining military power sufficient for the achievement of its political objectives. In the present and future contexts, the Soviets seek the ability to dominate escalation at each level so that they can intimidate or deter opponents. If they fail to intimidate or deter they feel they must be able to fight and win at all levels of potential war: strategic nuclear, theater nuclear, theater conventional, local, short wars, and protracted conflicts. Simultaneously, the Soviets seek methods to deter or avoid the inevitably catastrophic (and perhaps unnecessary) damage of general nuclear war. To maintain their strength the Soviets must fully exploit science and technology to master the new technological revolution, politically educate their population, and organize all aspects of state power to generate and maintain military strength. Simultaneously, they are adjusting doctrinal tenets to help achieve that end.
