Signs of a Soviet shift: conventional forces in Europe

Journal Article · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Bull. At. Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00963402.1987.11459614· OSTI ID:6623599

Sigal, L V

What should NATO do in anticipation of a possible Soviet unilateral withdrawal of armor. As yet, only NATO Secretary General Lord Carrington and the British and West German governments seem to be taking the Soviet signals seriously. Many in NATO seem to console themselves with the hope that since Soviet unilateral reductions might jeopardize control over Eastern Europe they will never happen. That is especially inappropriate in view of domestic political, manpower, and budgetary constraints within NATO that are likely to inhibit conventional force improvements. Instead of taking refuge in denial or defensiveness, NATO could get out ahead of any Soviet initiative by proposing to eliminate NATO's battlefield nuclear weapons and constrain aircraft modernization in return for a substantial withdrawal and demobilization of Soviet armor and elimination of Soviet battlefield nuclear weapons. Or NATO might prepare to reciprocate any unilateral move by the East with a gesture of its own, for instance, withdrawing another 1000 short-range nuclear weapons from Europe or modestly reducing conventional forces and delaying some planned improvements. That would help NATO regain the political high ground. It might also give the West time to assess the military implications of various reduction schemes and prepare a negotiating position of its own. 8 references.

• OSTI ID: 6623599
• Journal Information: Bull. At. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Bull. At. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 43:10; ISSN BASIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

350100* -- Arms Control-- Policy
Negotiations
& Legislation-- (1987-)
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ARMS CONTROL
ASIA
CONVENTIONAL WARFARE
EASTERN EUROPE
EQUIPMENT
EUROPE
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
MILITARY EQUIPMENT
MILITARY PERSONNEL
NATO
NEGOTIATION
PERSONNEL
USSR
WARFARE