ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses upon Soviet decisionmaking in connection with, and particularly during, the Yom Kippur War. Nine key decisions are analyzed with regard to the following factors: global considerations, primarily the superpower relationship and détente, but also ideological and economic considerations; regional considerations, that is, Soviet strategic, economic, political and ideological interests in the Middle East; local considerations, that is, the Soviet relationship with the participants in the war, and the battle situation; domestic considerations, that is, political, ideological, economic, military and public constraints, which include differing institutional interests or policy preferences as well as personal differences of opinion; lines of command, that is, participants in decisionmaking and the degree and nature of their participation; and information collection and dissemination. Working from the six categories of factors affecting Soviet decisionmaking outlined at the chapter, the conclusions may be drawn about the decisions taken in connection with the October War.
