Accession Number:

ADA247986

Title:

Stabilizing and Destabilizing Conventional Weapons

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES ALEXANDRIA VA

Personal Author(s):

• Biddle, Stephen
• Barnett, D. S.
• Gray, David G.

Report Date:

1991-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

208.0

Abstract:

The paper is intended to distinguish, if possible, between stabilizing and destabilizing conventional weapons assess the magnitude of the difference and provide consequent recommendations with respect to weapon development, force structure, acquisition and arms control policy. Its main conclusion is that force employment, rather than the mix of weapon types, is the most important determinant of conventional stability. While distinctions between stabilizing and destabilizing weapon systems can be drawn, these distinctions are highly sensitive to scenario conditions, and in any case have limited effects on the stability of the theater balance as a whole. That balance, at least for East-West conflict, should be highly stable regardless of plausible additions or subtractions of particular weapon types -- as long as defenders adapt their force employment to suit the changing conditions of the post Cold War European battlefield. Given this, force structure or equipment changes we may wish to make can be based on criteria other than stability.

Descriptors:

• *BALANCE OF POWER
• *WEAPON SYSTEMS
• *CONVENTIONAL WARFARE
• STABILITY
• MILITARY STRATEGY
• THEATER LEVEL OPERATIONS
• COST EFFECTIVENESS
• MILITARY DOCTRINE
• COMBAT READINESS
• TACTICAL AIR SUPPORT
• ARMS CONTROL
• MILITARY FORCE LEVELS
• AIR DEFENSE
• WEAPON MIXES
• COMPUTER PROGRAMS
• COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION

Subject Categories:

• Government and Political Science
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE