ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book deals with the conflicting assessments made by the Soviet Union and France during the Euromissile crisis. It examines the military and political roles served by Soviet nuclear weapons in the European theater. The chapter provides a description and analysis of the military and political roles served by French nuclear weapons. It presents an overview of how Soviet political and military analysts have characterized the scope, nature, and challenge of French security policy. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) December 1979 decision was a "two-track" or "double" decision in that it included a commitment to try to negotiate with the Soviets in order to stabilize the theater nuclear balance at the lowest possible level. During the mid-1970s, NATO officials became increasingly apprehensive about the growing capabilities of Soviet intermediate-range nuclear forces.
