Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book considers the strategic employment of the Soviet fleet in nuclear war and deterrence involving the Soviet and American homelands. It examines an important by-product is the creation of a better methodology for analyzing the Soviet Navy. The book addresses larger issues than those subjected to analysis in order to provide implications for the West and policy recommendations. These will include the issues of Soviet military and political-military doctrine and strategy and their concepts of deterrence. Since the Soviets openly state they can and will use force for political gain and war is a continuation of politics, it will be assumed that they will choose to do so. Declaratory policy can be ascertained from the writings and statements of key political-military officals in the Soviet Union.