The political implications of East-West trade and technology transfer

Abstract

This study is a review of the political and economic issues that are involved in East-West trade and technology transfer in the 1980's. Using unclassified sources, specific instances of technology transfer are evaluated and assessments as to its impact are made. The analysis provides evidence that the Soviet Union and their allies derive relative advantage from East-West trade--one which not only provides greater net economic benefits to the East, but also is creating serious security concerns in the West. The main conclusion of the research undertaken is that the nature and severity of the problem have been greatly underestimated by both scholars and government officials.