The Economist's Perception of the U.S.-Soviet Strategic Balance

Compares the image of the U.S.-Soviet projected by The Economist (London) during 1979-1981, and characteristics of their reporting on the strategic balance, with the findings of an earlier study covering the years 1948-1973. In contrast to the earlier period during which the United States was generally regarded as enjoying overall superiority, The Economist in 1979-1981 perceives the balance as tilting in favor of the Soviet Union. Shifts are noted in the aspects of the strategic balance that The Economist considers critical in evaluating the balance, with conventional forces moving from the background to the forefront of attention and defensive capabilities receding. While most characteristics of The Economist's reporting on the strategic balance identified in the earlier study still prevail, a significant change is found in its treatment of new weapon developments. These are no longer perceived as creating an immediate shift in the strategic balance, even before they become operational.