Soviet Strategy Research Articles

“Soviet Strategy”: A methodological approach

“Soviet Strategy”: A methodological approach

Le double code afghan. Marxisme et tribalisme

The Soviet strategy in Afghanistan has always aimed at controlling the state apparatus rather than encouraging a popular revolution. The belated creation of the communist party was perceived as a means of pressure on the state. The party was set up around 1965 by members of the lay intelligentsia and officers trained in the USSR. Behind the debutes dividing the party into the khalqi and the parcham factions there are, in addition to tactical differences, divergences linked with the social and tribal origins of these two factions. Most importantly, beyond thé ideological débutes thé functioning of thé party follows thé tribal pattern : that does not mean that the tribalism of Afghan society persists in the party, but that the party's factions are structured according to the modes of tribalism and clientelism, indenpendently of the sociological origins of their members.

Martin Crouch and Robert Porter, Understanding Soviet Politics Through Literature (London, George Allen and Unwin, 1984), pp. 207, $21.95 (paper). Edwina Moreton and Gerald Segal, Soviet Strategy Toward Western Europe (London, George Allen and Unwin, 1984), pp. 296, $58.75. T. H. Rigby and Bohdan Harasymiw, Leadership Selection and Patron-Client Relations in the USSR and Yugoslavia (London, George Allen and Unwin,

"Martin Crouch and Robert Porter, Understanding Soviet Politics Through Literature (London, George Allen and Unwin, 1984), pp. 207, $21.95 (paper). Edwina Moreton and Gerald Segal, Soviet Strategy Toward Western Europe (London, George Allen and Unwin, 1984), pp. 296, $58.75. T. H. Rigby and Bohdan Harasymiw, Leadership Selection and Patron-Client Relations in the USSR and Yugoslavia (London, George Allen and Unwin, 1983), pp. 246, $67.00.." Political Science, 37(2), pp. 180–181

Soviet foreign policy

Hannes Adomeit, Soviet Risk‐Taking and Crisis Behavior: a theoretical and empirical analysis, Sydney, Allen & Unwin, 1984, pp.375. $29.95 (paper) Edwina Moreton and Gerald Segal (eds), Soviet Strategy Toward Western Europe, Sydney, Allen & Unwin, 1984, pp.296. $15.95 (paper) Yaacov Ro'i (ed.), The USSR and the Muslim World, Sydney, Allen & Unwin, 1984, pp.298. $65.00 (cloth)

Soviet Policy toward Argentina and the Southern Cone

This article discusses the changing nature of Soviet relations with the Southern Cone of Latin America—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay—since 1970. The author argues that Soviet policy toward the area can be characterized as pragmatic, cautious, and moderately successful. Soviet strategy has involved a low-profile, risk-avoiding approach that hopes for high returns on the basis of minimal economic and political investment. Southern Cone elites have for the most part been pragmatic toward the Soviet Union, especially when the relations are economically profitable and politically stabilizing.

Soviet strategy towards Australia, New Zealand and the South‐West Pacific

Soviet strategy towards Australia, New Zealand and the South‐West Pacific

Book reviews

How to Compare Nations: Strategies in Comparative Politics. By Mattei Dogan and Dominique Pelassy. Chatham, New Jersey: Chatham House Publishers, 1984. Pp.185. $11.95. Constitutional Democracy: Essays in Comparative Politics. A Festschrift in Honor of Henry W. Ehrmann. Edited by Fred Eidlin. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press (Bowker Publishing Company), 1984. Pp.516. £21.75. Democracies: Patterns of Majoritarian and Consensus Government in Twenty‐One Countries. By Arend Lijphart. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1984. Pp.229. £5.95. Explaining And Predicting Elections: Issue Effects and Party Strategies in Twenty‐Three Democracies. By Ian Budge and Dennis J. Farlie. London: George Allen & Unwin, 1983. Pp.xiii + 226. £18 (hardback). Policies and Politics in Western Europe. The Impact of the Recession. Edited by F.F. Ridley. London: Croom Helm, 1984. Pp.221. £14.95. The State in Capitalist Europe: A Casebook. Edited by Stephen Bornstein, David Held, and Joel Krieger. London: George Allen & Unwin, 1984. Pp. viii + 175. £25.00 (hardback), £9.95 (paperback). Unions and Economic Crisis: Britain, West Germany, and Sweden. Peter Gourevitch, Andrew Martin, George Ross, Stephen Bornstein, Andrei Markovits, and Christopher Allen. London: George Allen & Unwin, 1984. Pp.ix + 394. £25.00 (hardback). Soviet Strategy Toward Western Europe. Edited by Edwina Moreton and Gerald Segal. London: George Allen & Unwin, 1984. Pp. 196. £17.50. Soviet Policy Toward Western Europe: Implications for the Atlantic Alliance. Edited by Herbert J. Ellison. Seattle & London: University of Washington Press, 1983. Pp.322. £25.50 (hardback); £12.70 (paperback). Communicating to Voters: Television in the First European Parliamentary Elections. Edited by J. G. Blumler. London: Sage, 1983. Pp.iv + 377. £22.95 (hardback). The First European Elections: Neo‐Functionalism and the European Parliament, by Jane P. Sweeney. Epping, Essex: Bowker, 1984. Pp.xvi + 160. £19.75 (paperback). An Atlas of EEC Affairs. By Ray Hudson, David Rhind, and Helen Mounsey. London: Methuen, 1984. Pp. XIV + 158. £14.95 (hardback), £6.50 (paperback). The Common Agricultural Policy: Past, Present and Future. By Brian E. Hill. London: Methuen, 1984. Pp.xvi + 168. £11.95 (hardback), £5.50 (paperback). Fiscal Harmonization in the European Communities. By Donald J. Puchala. London: Frances Pinter, 1984. Pp. XII + 158. £15.00 (hardback). West European Politics Today. By Geoffrey K. Roberts and Jill Lovecy. Manchester University Press, 1984. Pp.262. £4.95 (paperback). British Politics in Perspective. Edited by R.L. Borthwick and J.E. Sfence. Leicester University Press, 1984. Pp.251. £18.00 (hardback); £5.95 (paperback). Class and the British Electorate. By David Robertson. Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1984. Pp. xi + 250. £25.00. State and Government in the Federal Republic of Germany: The Executive at Work. (2nd ed.) By Nevil Johnson. Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1983. Pp.vi + 273. $14.50 (hardback); £7.95 (paperback). The West German Social Democrats 1969–81: Profile of a Party in Power. By Gerard Braunthal. Boulder, Colorado Westview Press, 1983. Pp.xvi + 344. £21.75. Contemporary France. Politics and Society since 1945. By D.L. Hanley, A.P. Kerr and N.H. Waites. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, revised edition 1984. Pp. xii + 372. £6.95 (paperback). Governing France: The One and Indivisible Republic, 2nd edition. By J.E.S. Hayward. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1983. Pp.322. £16.50 (hardback); £7.95 (paperback). Southern Europe Transformed: Political and Economic Change in Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Edited by Allan Williams. London: Harper & Row, 1984. Pp.295. £6.50 (paperback). Politics and Nationhood: Post‐Revolutionary Portugal. By Thomas C. Bruneau. New York: Praeger, 1984. Pp. 175. $28.95. Defence and Public Opinion. By David Capitanchik and Richard C. Eichenberg. Chatham House Papers No. 20. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1983. Pp.98. £4.95 (paperback). The Green Movement in West Germany. By Elim Papadakis. London: Croom Helm, 1984. Pp.230. £15.95 (hardback). The Communist Party in Spain. By Victor Alba. New Brunswick: Transaction Books, 1983. Pp.x + 475 (incl. index). Communism and Political Change in Spain. By Eusebio Mujal‐León. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1983. Pp.viii + 274 (incl. index). Spain, the EEC and NATO (Chatham House Papers No. 22). By Paul Preston and Denis Smyth. (The Royal Institute of International Affairs.) London, Boston and Henley: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1984. Pp.vi + 96. £4.95 (paperback). Terrorism in Northern Ireland. By Alfred McClung Lee. New York: General Hall Inc., 1983. Pp.253. £20.65 (hardback); £9.10 (paperback).

Soviet Strategy Toward Western Europe (review)

BOOK REVIEWS 261 the need for future research on the topic of how American defense policy influences both Soviet military doctrine and the Soviet view of the American willingness to accept risk. The relationship between doctrines and beliefs, which hovers over many of the central arguments in nuclear deterrence, must be explored further if the concept of competition in risk-taking is to be refined. The Committed Observer. By Raymond Aron. Chicago: Regnery Gateway, Inc., 1983. pp. 292. Reviewed by William Green, M.A. candidate, SAIS. A series of interviews accorded by Raymond Aron in 1980 to French television appear in this readable and captivating volume. Aron offers an analysis of the political and economic crises sweeping France during the past fifty years as well as a defense of the positions he took on specific issues. His discussions of the diplomatic failures to bridle Hitler's Germany, the economic weaknesses of the Popular Front's program, the Algerian conflict, and Prague Spring are particularly interesting. Following the war, Aron embarked on a double career as an editorialist and professor of sociology. Journalism permitted him to participate in the nation's political reconstruction and thus interpret history in the making, while academics provided the environment for the intellectual development of his political philosophy. An analyst and interpreter of events, Aron frequently found himself in disagreement with the French intelligentsia of the 1950s and 1960s. Considered an intellectual of the right while espousing a liberal conception of society, Aron cannot be readily categorized. His political attitudes emerged from a relativist approach to history, empirical analysis, and a liberal philosophy favoring pluralism. He appreciated the distinctions between general idealism and political realism. This volume serves as a useful introduction to the study of the political philosophy of one of France's great intellectuals. Soviet Strategy Toward Western Europe. Edwina Moretón and Gerald Segal, eds. London, Boston, and Sydney: George Allen and Unwin, 1983. pp. 296. Reviewed by William Green, M.A. candidate, SAIS. This timely volume provides students of international relations with a welcome European analysis of Soviet military, economic, and arms control policies. Arguing that many West European-Soviet disputes have little to do with the East-West struggle, the contributors urge the resurrection of a West EuropeanSoviet dialogue. Dawisha and Adomeit contend that pragmatism as well as strategic state interests rather than ideology determine Soviet strategy toward 262 SAIS REVIEW Western Europe. Freedman and Moretón suggest that certain policy decisions create seldomly considered dilemmas for Soviet power. Specifically, a U.S. military presence on the continent legitimizes the deployment of Soviet troops in Eastern Europe, serves as a safeguard against potential West German expansionist tendencies to the East. In the economic and political spheres, Stent and Morse believe Soviet attempts to augment their influence in West European capitals are largely unsuccessful. Nevertheless, indirect gains occur whenever allied disagreements over trading behavior with the Eastern bloc arise. Sharp suggests that in areas of common interests, agreements are attainable. The authors seem to agree that the resolution of certain issues can only be achieved if a regional rather than global framework is established. For the Europeans, a détente based on competitive coexistence with the Soviets is the only realistic policy available. Poland's Self-Limiting Revolution. By Jadwiga Staniszkis. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1984. Reviewed by Bruce Lowry, M.A. candidate, SAIS. Solidarity, Poland's "self-limiting revolution," is viewed from the inside by Jadwiga Staniszkis, a sociologist who was among the intellectuals involved in the factory negotiations in Gdansk in August 1980. Staniszkis describes the mechanics of Solidarity's birth, outlining the problems of pushing through a social revolution in the context of a trade union. The difficulties faced, both within and without the movement, are objectively examined. Staniszkis engages in some self-criticism, suggesting that the intellectuals used their semantic superiority to constrain the demands of the workers. She also describes how Solidarity gradually exhibited increasing institutional rigidity and even authoritarian tendencies. Staniszkis's sociological bent, however, provides the most interesting insights in the work. The history of social protest in totalitarian regimes is portrayed as a regenerative process; different forms of protest emerge, and are absorbed by...

Book Review: Edwina Moreton and Gerald Segal (eds.), Soviet Strategy Towards Western Europe (London: George Allen and Unwin, 1984. 296pp., £17.50)

Book Review: Edwina Moreton and Gerald Segal (eds.), Soviet Strategy Towards Western Europe (London: George Allen and Unwin, 1984. 296pp., £17.50)

Soviet Strategy Toward Western Europe. Edited by Edwina Moreton and Gerald Segal. Boston and Sydney: George Allen and Unwin, 1984. 296 pp. Tables. $28.50. - East-West Relations in Europe: Observations and Advice From the Sidelines, 1971–1982. By Paul E. Zinner. Boulder, Colo.: Westview Press, 1984. xvi, 164 pp. $16.00, paper.

Soviet Strategy Toward Western Europe. Edited by Edwina Moreton and Gerald Segal. Boston and Sydney: George Allen and Unwin, 1984. 296 pp. Tables. $28.50. - East-West Relations in Europe: Observations and Advice From the Sidelines, 1971–1982. By Paul E. Zinner. Boulder, Colo.: Westview Press, 1984. xvi, 164 pp. $16.00, paper. - Volume 44 Issue 3

Book review

Dezinformatsia: Active Measures in Soviet Strategy, by Richard H. Shultz and Roy Godson. New York and Washington, D.C.: Pergamon‐Brassey's, 1984, 280 pp., $19.95 (hardbound); $12.95 (paperback).

Soviet Strategy Towards WesternEurope. Edited by Edwina Moreton and Gerald Segal. London: George Allen and Unwin, 1984, 269 pp.

Soviet Strategy Towards WesternEurope. Edited by Edwina Moreton and Gerald Segal. London: George Allen and Unwin, 1984, 269 pp.

La stratégie soviétique en Afghanistan et ses limites

Soviet Strategy and Its Limitations in Afghanistan, by Olivier Roy In the short term, Soviet intervention in Afghanistan can be viewed as a reaction to the collapse of a neighbouring communist regime, but in the long term it must be seen rather as an expansionary pus h towards warm-water ports. The USSR's ultimate goal is the integration of Afghanistan within the Soviet world, though the implementation of this strategy is very flexible. The Soviets seek to maintain the war within limits compatible with their other priorities. They are reluctant to raise the present level of intervention, preferring to rely on their present three pronged policy, which consists of military force to contain rebel strongholds, a pacification programme aimed at disarming the country-side, and a slow but steady sovietisation of the towns. However, the steady reinforcement of Afghan résistance présents them with a difficult set of choices. They must either strengthen their expeditionary force, use chemical weapons, destabilise Pakistan or negotiate. Should Président Reagan propose to negotiate on regional conflicts, it is feasible that the Soviets would embark on negotiations on Afghanistan. Their sole aim would of course be American and Pakistani withdrawal front participation in the conflict, as it is improbable they would seriously envisage pulling out their troops even in exchange for a genuine neutralisation of Afghanisation.

Dezinfomatsia: Active Measures in Soviet Strategy, by Roy Godson and Richard H. Shultz

Dezinfomatsia: Active Measures in Soviet Strategy, <i>by Roy Godson and Richard H. Shultz</i>

Book Reviews : The Sea in Soviet Strategy, by Bryan Ranft and Geoffrey Till. The Macmillan Press Ltd., 1983, £25

Book Reviews : The Sea in Soviet Strategy, by Bryan Ranft and Geoffrey Till. The Macmillan Press Ltd., 1983, £25

Soviet Strategy in Southeast Asia: The Vietnam Factor

The Vietnamese invasion of Kampuchea and the consequent conflict between China and Vietnam has yielded significant strategic gains for the Soviet Union. In less than five years it has become a major military power in Southeast Asia, a near equal to the U.S. Through Vietnam, the Soviets have acquired the use of three military bases and an ally that is a powerful military force in its own right, with one of the largest armies in the world. Although the alliance was formed out of mutual need-Vietnam needed the USSR in order to take control of Indochina and the USSR needed the Vietnamese expansion to extend its influence in Southeast Asia-this is not an alliance of equals, since Vietnam has become militarily and economically dependent on the Soviet Union. For the first time in its history, the Vietnamese Communist Party's espousal of socialism is linked less with an assertion of national independence and more with solidarity with a foreign power. The consequences of Vietnam's occupation of Kampuchea for Vietnam itself and for Southeast Asia as a whole cannot be understood apart from Soviet strategy in the region. This strategy is examined here through a brief survey of the history of Soviet-Vietnamese relations and an examination of Vietnam's current military and economic relations with the Soviet Union.

Soviet Strategy in Southeast Asia: The Vietnam Factor

Soviet Strategy in Southeast Asia: The Vietnam Factor

The sea in Soviet strategy

Journal Article The sea in Soviet strategy Get access The sea in Soviet strategy. By Bryan Ranftand Geoffrey Till. London: Macmillan. 1983. 240pp. Index. £25.0. Raymond Hutchings Raymond Hutchings Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar International Affairs, Volume 60, Issue 3, Summer 1984, Page 504, https://doi.org/10.2307/2617652 Published: 01 July 1984

Soviet strategy toward Western Europe

Journal Article Soviet strategy toward Western Europe Get access Soviet strategy toward Western Europe. Edited by Edwina Moretonand Gerald Segal. ondon, Boston: Allen & Unwin. 1984. 296pp. Index. £17.50. William Wallace William Wallace 1Chatham House Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar International Affairs, Volume 60, Issue 3, Summer 1984, Page 505, https://doi.org/10.2307/2617653 Published: 01 July 1984

Letters: The debate over Soviet strategy

Letters: The debate over Soviet strategy