ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an analysis of the specific problems facing the military in the context-hazing problems, draft evasion, and domestic use of force—and deals with an assessment of the implications of nationalist tensions for the future structure of the Soviet military. As nationalist tensions continue to build in various regions of the Soviet empire, evolving in some cases into de facto civil war, the Soviet military finds itself in a most difficult position. The Baltic republics view the Soviet military as an occupation army, while virtually every republic has placed some type of restrictions on where and how their young men will serve. The figures for desertion and draft evasion indicate the growing problems the Soviet military is facing in adhering to a conscription-based system. In December 1986, Mikhail Gorbachev openly demonstrated his lack of understanding of and appreciation for nationalist sentiments.
