ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to clarify the interrelations and interdependences existing between doctrines, force structures and stability, as well as those between doctrines, disarmament proposals and confidence-building measures. It considers the criteria characterizing a defensive military doctrine and the way in which a defensive orientation manifests itself in structures. In a state of stability, political and military stability are in concord and harmony exists between military doctrine and force structures. A doctrine can only be defensive if the objective of all military actions in wartime is to protect and preserve one's own territory. The objective of restricting military operations to one's own territory is thus the first criterion of a defensive doctrine. A decisive criterion for the defensiveness of both political and military doctrines therefore is the general renunciation of the first use of any military means and preparedness to accept a first strike on one's own territory.
