Soviet Union's 'New Defensive Doctrine' and The Changing Face of Soviet StrategicCulture

摘要

Among the dramatic changes underway within the Soviet Union is the announcementthat the Soviets have adopted a new defensive doctrine. This new doctrine radically alters the way that the Soviets have structured, trained, and prepared their military for years. Soviet strategic culture remains a useful tool to examine the effects of these changes and help predict possible outcomes. This study reviews the construct of Soviet strategic culture; examines the development of the new defensive doctrine; compares the various schools of thought involved in the ongoing debate in the Soviet Union; and assesses probable results from these radical shifts in doctrine. Keywords: Soviet military doctrine; Foreign military forces; Military training; Military strategy planning. (edc)