Executive Summary: A Political-Economic Game Exploring Soviet Plan Formulation during Postattack Recovery

This report represents a summary of the results of a political- economic game held at SRI International on 8-9 June 1978. Using the format of a simulated session of the Soviet Council of Defense, the objective was to examine potential Soviet post-war goal formulation and plan implementation processes, as well as to identify factors that might complicate or prolong reorganization and recovery. Two contingency plans prepared before the hostilities were to be discussed. In the first, priorities are stronger in their defense orientation and short-term perspective. In the second, priorities were more balanced and had a longer-term perspective. Soviet specialists were chosen to play the role of key individuals assumed to be members of the Council of Defense in a post-war situation. The discussions were open, with nor formal vote taken on results.