ABSTRACT
Relations with the Soviet Union have improved considerably since 1985, when Mikhail Gorbachev launched what he called perestroika—a total restructuring of Soviet society, including Soviet foreign and defense policy. The self-reliant and radical nature of domestic perestroika has become even more crucial as the reforms have encountered increasing difficulties. Resolution of conflicts in Central America, Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Africa would surely spare the Soviets the billions they spend each year on supporting client states. The chemical weapons initiative announced by the President at the United Nations will produce massive reductions in Soviet and US stockpiles at an accelerated pace. The Soviets are entering uncharted waters, experimenting with markets, competitive enterprises, and realistic pricing, all of which we take for granted. A perestroika that resulted simply in a more efficient and more capable Soviet state would, indeed, be a more formidable and dangerous competitor.
