ABSTRACT
In dealing with both their planning for wartime and their policy in peacetime, the discussion presents a number of descriptions of Soviet strategy - i.e., the objectives they seek and the course(s) of action they would follow to achieve them. Both common sense and careful analysis of Soviet behaviour suggest that the Soviet naval presence in the forward area in peacetime is intended to do more than just defend peace. Two political functions carried out by the Soviet Navy in peacetime will be discussed in depth. The first of these two functions, “active defence of peace and progress”, represents an attempt to achieve two no less abstract ends: support of “progressive change” and prevention of war. The objective of the second function, “preparation of maritime theatres of military operations”, is more practical: improving the likelihood of success should combat take place. Both characterize Soviet Naval activity in the Mediterranean.
