Deterrence and the revolution in Soviet military doctrine

Abstract

Dramatic changes under way in the Soviet Union and the world have significant implications for American policy. Soviet expert Raymond L. Garthoff makes use of unique, newly available material - including a complete file of the confidential Soviet General Staff journal - to illuminate the development of Soviet military thinking. In this groundbreaking study, Garthoff explains that the Soviets regard nuclear deterrence as only a necessary interim safeguard, not a solution to the quest for security. He examines the implications of the remarkable recasting of the Soviet concept of security for U.S. policy and global security.