Perceptions of nuclear war. Research report

Technical Report · Fri May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:5021065

Alexandrow, N

Mutual deterrence has been the keystone of U.S. nuclear strategic policy with respect to the Soviet Union. But for mutual deterrence to be viable, the perceptions of nuclear weapons and nuclear war must be shared by both nations. There are currently many misconceptions in the West about Soviet views of nuclear war. These misconceptions have been reinforced over the years by Soviet public pronouncements. Through an examination of the mindset of the Soviet people, Soviet doctrinal literature, and Soviet offensive and defensive systems, this paper provides compelling evidence for the way the Soviet Union really perceives nuclear war.

• Research Organization: Air War Coll., Maxwell AFB, AL (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5021065
• Report Number(s): AD-A-186654/0/XAB; AU-AWC-87-005
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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