ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the Soviet dilemma of trying to allocate insufficient resources between military and civilian goods in the future when the cumulative effect of previous allocations has caused severe damage to the Soviet economy. The Soviets operate so inefficiently, and get so little return from their available resources that the cost, in terms of other projects forgone, to build a new weapon is extremely high. This situation is further exacerbated when the weapon is technologically advanced and is in direct competition with projects needed to revitalize the Soviet economy. In particular, Soviet uncertainty about their abilities is likely to lead to a 'short war' doctrine involving mass, surprise, and preemption. All of this could leave the Soviet leadership in the position of either starting a war to preserve what advantage they currently have, or watching themselves slowly become less and less competitive.
