Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines many of the military-technical components of Soviet security policy. It traces Soviet strategic nuclear force developments, changing Soviet views on nuclear deterrence, and arms control approaches. The book reviews some of the changes in Soviet security thinking, particularly as related to nuclear weapons issues. It provides a comprehensive overview of the debate surrounding military reform in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The book offers an analysis of the relationship between the defense industries and the military. It examines how the military questions fit into the broader framework of Soviet foreign policy objectives, and how these objectives have changed since the Revolution of 1989. The book also offers a series of alternative future scenarios for how the Soviet Union might develop and the consequent role for the military.