Description
Book SynopsisThis invaluable study provides a unique insider''s view of the history of Soviet and Russian policy on nuclear weapons modernization and charts the future evolution of the Russian strategic arsenal. Using information that has only recently become available and introducing new, previously unknown data, Sokov concludes that the most important force behind the evolution of the Soviet and Russian strategic arsenal was the military itself, which sought to increase strategic stability by enhancing the survivability of weapons systems. The highly destabilizing posture of the 1970s and 1980s was, he argues, in a sense ''accidental,'' resulting from the failure of several R&D programs and specific features of the Soviet decisionmaking mechanism. The author demonstrates that the role of such factors as the economic crisis, U.S. modernization programs, and general Russian foreign policy goals has been exaggerated by Western analysts. No matter how hard-pressed, Russia will hold to its current pl
Trade ReviewSokov provides an invaluable background to current nuclear arms control questions. The book is a useful addition to the literature. * International Affairs, Oct.2000 *
This compact and concisely written study deserves attention not only from the shrinking tribe of nuclear experts but from all those interested in strategic decisionmaking in Moscow. * Journal of Peace Research *
A well documented treatise which helps the reader to understand the dynamics of Soviet defence planning during the Cold War era. * International Review of Administrative Science *
An informed and documented treatise on a crucial area of Cold-War inquiry by a bona fide former Soviet security professional. As such, it provides a revelation for those in the West who long struggled to understand the dynamics of Soviet defense planning, but had little clue, beyond vague generalities, about what went on inside the black box of Soviet decision-making. -- Benjamin S. Lambeth, from the foreword
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 Preface Chapter 3 Table of Designatoins for Soviet/Russian Strategic Ballistic Missiles Chapter 4 Introduction Chapter 5 I: Past Chapter 6 1 An Unintended Posture Chapter 7 2 Arms Control Talks and the Shaping of the New Posture Chapter 8 3 A Leap over Stages of Development Chapter 9 II: Future Chapter 10 4 Modernization of the Russian Nuclear Triad Chapter 11 5 The Nuclear Debate Chapter 12 Conclusion Chapter 13 Index Chapter 14 About the Author
