Research for Political Policy

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The Future Russian Navy Final Report
September 1, 1993
Using a two-phase approach, the Future Russian Navy study -- commissioned by the Director of Naval Intelligence -- examined the individual factors that will compete with one another to drive the force posture and capabilities of the 21st-century Russian Navy. Phase I evaluated as discrete entities historical, economic, security, and foreign policy interests as well as politico-sociological and economic constraints. Phase II then evaluated these competing interests and constraints, and derived a range of potential force postures and capabilities for the Russian Navy of the year 2013. The result describes a Russian Navy dependent principally on the success or failure of Russian national economic reform.
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The Soviet Navy in the Era of Perestroika
December 1, 1990
In an effort to address the most compelling issues surrounding the Soviet Navy in the era of Perestroika, ONI and CNA brought together more than 35 specialists on the Soviet Union from both inside and outside the government. Their views are recorded in this report and do not necessarily reflect the positions of CNA or the United States Navy.
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The Evolving Role of the Supreme Soviet in National Security Decision-Making
October 1, 1990
The recent, radical movement toward democratization of the political system in the USSR has generated important changes in its legislative organs. This study examines the ongoing restructuring of these bodies, with particular emphasis on the Supreme Soviet and its evolving role in national security decision-making. A totally new state body, the Congress of People's Deputies, is also analyzed as to its structure, tasks, and responsibilities. From its membership was elected the new Supreme Soviet, which is contrasted with the 'old' Supreme Soviet, its history, organization, power, and responsibilities. The shifting sources of legislative power and the changing role of the new and strengthened legislative bodies are discussed.
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PRIVATIZING AIRPORTS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
March 1, 1983
This paper asserts that the country as a whole, and the D.C. area in particular, would be better off if the federal government were to sell its airports and leave their operation to individual discretion.
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AN (THE?) EXPLANATION OF THE SOVIET INVASION OF AFGHANISTAN
June 1, 1981
This paper provides a brief description of the problems facing any analysis of Soviet intentions. The context in which the actions under examination took place is sketched out. A review of the course of events in Afghanistan and the role apparently played by the Soviets there is provided. Subsequently, the motivations judged most likely to have precipitated the invasion are outlined. A brief treatment of some of the implications of this conclusion is included and a listing and evaluation of other, less plausible explanations of the Soviet decision to invade are appended.
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FRENCH NAVAL POLICY OUTSIDE OF EUROPE
February 1, 1981
This paper provides a detailed discussion on the concept of 'indirect strategy' and how this concept has affected French deterrence theory.
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THIRD WORLD MILITARY ELITES IN SOVIET PERSPECTIVE
February 1, 1981
This report discusses the Soviet trend of regarding the 'antiimperialist bonapartism' of third world military elites as 'progressive social development.' It highlights the dissenting views of the Soviet scholar Mirskiy.
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SOVIET POLICY IN THE HORN OF AFRICA: THE DECISION TO INTERVENE
February 1, 1981
The main intent of this paper is to elucidate the factors that appear to have influenced Soviet decisions to support Ethiopia during the period immediately preceding and during the Somali-Ethiopian conflict in the Ogaden, roughly from 1976 to late 1977.
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Superpower Security Interests in the Indian Ocean Area
February 1, 1981
This paper provides an assessment of how events in Southwest Asia (particularly the Islamic revolution in Iran, the seizing of hostages in Tehran, and Soviet combat forces invading Afghanistan) have jeopardized the major interests of the superpowers and how their policies appear to be changing in response to these threats.
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