Comparison of U.S. and Soviet Strategic Defensive Doctrine.

摘要

This thesis examines the strategic defensive doctrines of both the Soviet Union and the United States, and further explores the concrete manifestations of the disparities in those doctrines. The evolution of the defensive components of national strategies is traced from the end of World War II to the present, and specific defensive systems are described. The focus is on the impact of strategy on deployment of antiballistic missile systems, antiaircraft defenses, and civil defense programs. A comparison of current strategic defensive deployments highlights the differences in the doctrines adopted by the two nations. While the Soviet Union has deployed substantial defensive systems, the United States has chosen to forego all but minimal antiaircraft defenses. This basic difference in strategic thought may be, in itself, destabilizing. Keywords: Strategic defenses; Antiballistic missiles; Ballistic missiles defense; Antiaircraft defense; Air defense; Civil defense; USSR. (EMK)