Mailed Fist, Velvet Glove: Soviet Armed Forces as a Political Instrument.

Authors: Stephen S. Kaplan; David K. Hall; Paul Jobber; Roman Kolkowicz; Thomas W. Robinson ; BROOKINGS INSTITUTION WASHINGTON D C

Abstract:

This study was conducted in order to determine the historical record of the use of Soviet armed forces as a political instrument since the Second World War; to gain an understanding of the USSR's readiness to use military power in the pursuit of foreign policy objectives and the willingness of Soviet leaders to accept risks in doing so; to evaluate the utility of political-military operations to Soviet interests and foreign policy goals; and to realize the implications of this Soviet behavior for U.S. interests and American foreign and defense policies.

Limitations:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE