Soviet Nuclear Policy Under Gorbachev: A Policy of Disarmament (review)

172 SAISREVIEW Although both books have their problems—Bland's recommendations are too radical and Jordan's book is full of acronyms, wire diagrams, and unnecessary details—they nonetheless are valuable. As political and military leaders appear to be moving towards changing the alliance arrangements, they could use all the historical advice available. SovietNuclearPolicy Under Gorbachev:APolicy ofDisarmament. By Daniel Calingaert. New York: Praeger Publishers, 1991. 180 pp. $39.95/Hardcover. Reviewed byBeth Fulkerson, M.A., ProgramforArms Control, Disarmament, and International Security, University ofIllinois. Soviet Nuclear Policy Under Gorbachev: A Policy of Disarmament, by Daniel Calingaert, is a thorough examination of how Mikhail Gorbachev and his reformist advisors have used nuclear disarmament as a tool for restructuring. Calingaert explains how Gorbachev's redefinition ofSoviet national security has produced both the rationale and the necessary conditions for undertaking nuclear disarmament. Gorbachev redefined security as a function of internal strength and focused on the necessity of revitalizing the Soviet economy. Such renewal would be impossible if the arms race continued to drain the economy of resources. The immediate objective was to reduce pressure from the West. Nuclear disarmament was a means to that end. In the first three thematic chapters, Calingaert explains the reformers' new thinking on national security aims, their case for disarmament, and how, by increasing the role of civilians in decision making, they were able to introduce innovation into policy formation. Each ofthese themes is distinct, and Calingaert examines each one in depth. His discussion of the shift of influence in decisionmaking away from the military and towards the civilian sector is particularly interesting. However, efforts to keep the themes in the broader context of the redefinition of security are at times repetitive. Even so, the first three chapters are informative for students and serve as a useful perspective on the topics for specialists. The second three chapters focus on Soviet nuclear disarmament policy and are more in-depth. The author discusses changes in nuclear strategy, the diplomacy of arms control, and Soviet conduct in nuclear arms talks. These chapters highlight the obstacles faced by reformers in trying to shift from the achievement of security through unilateral military means towards cooperative political means. Especially incisive is the chapter on nuclear strategy which exposes the root of the military's intransigence with respect to some aspects of nuclear disarmament. Both specialists and students would find Calingaert's conscientious attention to context, coupled with his thorough investigation ofthe central themes driving Soviet nuclear disarmament initiatives, worthwhile. ...