Research for Doctrine

This research contribution lays out a methodology for interpreting the Soviet literature dealing with military affairs. The following aspects are covered: the subject matter that normally yields the best evidence of Soviet intentions; the theoretical disciplines involved with this subject matter and their relationship to official channels; the problem of determining the truthfulness and authoritativeness of Soviet statements; and the rules of analysis in coping with their literature.

Soviet military writings are a valuable source of insight into true Soviet beliefs regarding military capabilities and intentions--their own and those of their adversaries. This research contribution lists all the articles published in the Soviet journal, Morskoy sbornik (Naval Digest) from 1980 to 1985. Volume I lists the articles in chronological order, and alphabetical order by author. See Also CRC 568.

Volume II lists the articles alphabetically by key words in the title. See also CRC 568.

Throughout the last decade, the Soviet politico-military leadership has provided startling evidence of a new Soviet doctrine on nuclear and conventional wars. According to Soviet military writers, the changes in doctrine that constitute the new revolution in Soviet military affairs were generated by evolving technological developments in both nuclear and conventional arms. This paper provides evidence from Soviet military literature that changes in strategy, operational art, and tactics have in turn generated changes in force structure and weapons modernization that indicate a downgrading of nuclear contingencies and a preference for conventional warfare.