Naval implications of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks

Abstract

This thesis surveys the naval implications of the treaty outcomes resulting from the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) . The fundamental hypothesis is that a correllation implying a causative relationship exists between the naval outcomes of SALT I and SALT II (dependent variable) and asymmetries in U.S. and Soviet negotiating methodology (independent variable) . Assessment of the dependent variable is accomplished through systematic examination of the treaty outcomes relevant to the naval capabilities of the two negotiating parties. These outcomes include the impact of SALTimposed SLBM and SSBN numerical limitations upon fleet ballistic missile (FBM) force modernization, implications for sea-launched cruise missiles (SLCMs) , naval air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs) , sea-based ABM/ATBM deployment options, and the naval significance of SALT outcomes relating to land-based naval air and potential ICBM/IRBM anti-ship targeting. The independent variable of negotiating approaches is evaluated through systematic scrutiny of the public SALT negotiating history. Although evidence is not entirely conclusive, the hypothesis seems to be sustained.