Arms control with a democracy?: negotiating with the new Soviet Union

Abstract

This thesis analyzes a variety of aspects concerning arms control with a reformed Soviet Union. Despite the growth of pluralism in the Soviet Union arms control will remain an important policy goal of the United States. Policy-makers will need to be aware of both new problems and opportunities which will be created as the Soviet Union transitions into a democracy. This study postulates four possible outcomes of Soviet governmental reform and then examines one in particular with respect to arms control with the Soviets in the future. Besides postulating the end form of Soviet government it looks at inter-democracy relationships with an eye on illuminating the particular idiosyncrasies involved in them. In addition, it analyzes the possibility of learning lessons from the interaction of previous U.S. democracy to democracy. Specifically, the U.S.-Japanese relationship in trade and security is utilized in this comparison. Arms control will still be necessary even if the Soviets are successful in the restructuring of their government. It may become more difficult rather than easier to reach arms control agreements with the new Soviet Union. A restructured Soviet Union must cause decision-makers to rethink their approach in concluding successful arms control agreements.