The most significant strategic development in the second half of the twentieth century has been the emergence of the Soviet Union as a superpower. This dominant position is firmly founded on military strength, and the Soviet Union's relentless expansionist policies would be impossible without the support of strongly manned and well equipped armed forces. More than for any other nation, the USSR's political position, in Europe and throughout the world, depends on the might of the Soviet war machine. Even in internal affairs the generals and admirals have massive influence on the development of Soviet policy. - Jacket flap.

This is a study of Soviet military doctrine and capabilities, and their relation to Soviet foreign policy objectives and East-West relations during the Gorbachev period. The role of military power in Gorbachev's foreign policy and the dismantling of the military confrontation in Europe is examined.

Soviet Military Power 1987 reviews new development in the USSR's armed forces over the past year and places these in the context of current doctrine and strategy. These developments again underscore that the USSR is building new generations of offensive strategic and theater nuclear forces, as well as conventional land, sea, and air forces and strategic defense forces, going far beyond legitimate requirements for defense.

Documents the development of the Soviet Union as one of the world's superpowers, looking at the characteristics of the Russian army, the performance of tactical weapons, and influential Soviet military leaders