Did the Soviets think, that they can win the nuclear war?

Abstract

In this study I examine the military doctrines of the Cold War, in particular the doctrines ofthe Soviet military trough the Polish – American historian, Richard Pipes’ 1977 essay and itsfindings. In the first part I clarify some basic military concepts, the possible dimensions ofnuclear warfare and describe Pipes’ basic statements regarding the subject. ThereafterI shortly introduce the two opposing superpower’s military doctrines throughout the ColdWar and compare them to Pipes’ statements. The next part gives an overview of the Sovietwarfare in the 1960’s and 1970’s, including the most important questions of the militarydevelopment and the Soviet military culture.