Soviet Military Doctrine and Western Policy

This book, first published in 1989, examines Western and Soviet perceptions of each other's military thoughts and doctrines, a critical component of the Cold War, in which both sides planned to win a potential conflict while avoiding one. The study shows that political preconceptions influenced both East and West in forming judgments about each other's military profile.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 428 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book, originally released in 1989, delves into a profound analysis of Western and Soviet perspectives on military doctrines and thoughts, serving as a vital component of the Cold War era. Both sides meticulously crafted their strategies to secure victory in a potential conflict while also striving to prevent it from occurring. The insightful work unveiled that both East and West formed their judgments about each other's military capabilities based on political preconceptions, highlighting the intricate interplay of politics and military strategy during this era of global tension.

The book explores the intricate dynamics between the two superpowers, shedding light on their respective military doctrines, objectives, and strategies. It examines how political ideologies and national interests shaped their perceptions of each other's military capabilities, leading to misunderstandings and miscalculations. Through detailed case studies and expert analysis, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between military power and politics during the Cold War.

One of the key findings of the book is that both the Western and Soviet regimes approached the Cold War with a sense of urgency and a desire to dominate the global stage. They invested heavily in their military capabilities, engaging in arms races, nuclear proliferation, and proxy wars to assert their dominance and protect their interests. However, their approaches were often driven by political considerations rather than purely military ones.

For instance, the Western powers, particularly the United States, saw the Soviet Union as a threat to their global dominance and sought to contain its expansionist tendencies. They implemented policies such as the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the NATO alliance to support their allies and deter the Soviet Union from further encroaching on their sphere of influence. On the other hand, the Soviet Union viewed the Western powers as a threat to its own survival and sought to expand its own influence through proxy wars and military alliances.

The book also highlights the role of technology in shaping military doctrines and strategies during the Cold War. The development of nuclear weapons, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and other advanced military technologies created a new level of uncertainty and risk in the global arena. Both sides sought to leverage these technologies to their advantage, leading to a race for dominance in the arms race.

Furthermore, the book explores the impact of the Cold War on international relations and global security. The tensions and hostilities between the Western and Soviet powers created a climate of fear and instability, leading to the development of arms control agreements, disarmament initiatives, and the establishment of international institutions such as the United Nations.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the study of the Cold War and provides a comprehensive analysis of Western and Soviet perceptions of each other's military thoughts and doctrines. It sheds light on the intricate interplay between politics and military power, highlighting the risks, uncertainties, and challenges faced by both superpowers during this era. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history, politics, and military implications of the Cold War.

Weight: 798g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367619152