An examination of Soviet European policies since 1964. The Brezhnev- Kosygin regime elected to continue Khrushchev's foreign policies, which had been initiated by Stalin to upset the postwar status of Western Europe while preserving it in the East. These policies were primarily aimed at eroding NATO unity and undermining U.S. influence in Europe. However, the USSR failed to stem the erosion of Soviet control in the East without resort to force. Although the Soviets suffered several disadvantages from invading Czechoslovakia in 1968, the invasion helped them to (1) reestablish Soviet military credibility; (2) destroy Czech and similar reform movements; (3) deploy more troops in the Warsaw Pact's northern area; and (4) remind West Germany that the USSR controls negotiations with the East. With the emergence of the Soviet Union as a global military power in the late sixties, Soviet leaders might be tempted to pursue bolder policies. The forthcoming strategic arms limitation talks may serve to clarify Soviet intent.

An examination of Soviet European policies since 1964. The Brezhnev- Kosygin regime elected to continue Khrushchev's foreign policies, which had been initiated by Stalin to upset the postwar status of Western Europe while preserving it in the East. These policies were primarily aimed at eroding NATO unity and undermining U.S. influence in Europe. However, the USSR failed to stem the erosion of Soviet control in the East without resort to force. Although the Soviets suffered several disadvantages from invading Czechoslovakia in 1968, the invasion helped them to (1) reestablish Soviet military credibility; (2) destroy Czech and similar reform movements; (3) deploy more troops in the Warsaw Pact's northern area; and (4) remind West Germany that the USSR controls negotiations with the East. With the emergence of the Soviet Union as a global military power in the late sixties, Soviet leaders might be tempted to pursue bolder policies. The forthcoming strategic arms limitation talks may serve to clarify Soviet intent.

Prepared as part of a continuing program of research undertaken by the RAND Corporation for United States Air Force Project RAND.