Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes the process of implementation focusing on Brezhnev’s position within the collective leadership. His ability to direct the policy is first seen in the light of the characteristics of collective decision-making, particularly with regard to the General Secretary’s attempt to improve the Soviet economic organization and management. The book highlights Soviet security policy, which encompasses both defense and arms control decision-making, and describes the Soviet theory of questions of Peace and War in historical perspective. It analyzes party-military relations, in particular the use of political-ideological views, to support military interests and their position. The book presents the question whether the Soviet leadership is ready to sacrifice the interests of a policy elite if the preservation or even intensification of the detente process in general seems to require it.