ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses by its attention to a neglected but vitally important area of political research, its theoretical as well as substantive emphasis, and its heavy reliance on the research tools of the social scientist. Fundamentally, then, this research effort not only has post-behavioral justification in terms of its social utility, but is also consistent with the goal of all political scientists to help build cumulative scientific knowledge of political phenomena. The book also discusses the commercial issues which have been a central feature of relations between the United States and the Soviet Union since the early 1970s, by together with efforts to control the arms race. Clear and formal recognition of the key importance of trade and economic issues to overall political relations was initially provided by both superpowers in the "Principles of Relations between the USA and the USSR".
