Soviet Political Perspectives on Power Projection

Francis Fukuyama, Scott Bruckner, Sally W. Stoecker

Published 1987

This Note analyzes the views of Soviet non-military writers and political leaders on the question of power projection in the Third World. Although Soviet writers do not broach the subject directly, they touch on power projection indirectly when writing on the themes of (1) the local political basis of revolutionary power, (2) external (Soviet Union) aid and assistance to Third World clients vs. competing domestic and military claims, (3) the role of "armed struggle" in promoting revolutionary change, and (4) the risky effects of Third World activism on relations with the United States. Each of these themes is examined in some detail. The authors find that only in discussions of armed struggle as a revolutionary strategy do the Soviets recognize greater opportunities for power projection, and this is restricted to Central America. Possible future Soviet policy is discussed.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1987
  • Pages: 90
  • Document Number: N-2430-A

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Fukuyama, Francis, Scott Bruckner, and Sally W. Stoecker, Soviet Political Perspectives on Power Projection. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1987. https://www.rand.org/pubs/notes/N2430.html.
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