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Begin New Search Political Geography Europe Publishing Institution Project on Defense Alternatives

11. The “Stable Nuclear Deterrent” collapses in the Ukraine War

Author:
Charles Knight
Publication Date:
10-2022
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Project on Defense Alternatives
Abstract:
The comforting narrative of a dependable and stable nuclear deterrence between the US and Russia has been thrown into disarray by the War in Ukraine. This narrative, propagated widely in the years following the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, held that both the Super Powers fully appreciated that they could not “win” a nuclear battle and, therefore, would avoid direct conventional warfare, which might then quickly escalate into nuclear war. In a necessary corollary, it was thought that Russia and the US would make every effort to avoid a conventional war in Europe. Why? Because there are so many paths to escalation to nuclear war in Europe. Elsewhere in the world, US and Russian interests were more diffuse and, therefore, not so vital.
Topic:
Conflict Prevention, Foreign Policy, Nuclear Weapons, Deterrence, and Russia-Ukraine War
Political Geography:
Russia, Europe, Ukraine, and United States of America

12. A Few Thoughts on the Evolution of Infantry: Past, Present, Future

Author:
Lutz Unterseher
Publication Date:
05-2006
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Project on Defense Alternatives
Abstract:
During the Seven Years War a young, handsome and daring cavalryman in the Prussian Army was observed taking sexual liberties with his beautiful mare. This indiscretion was brought to the attention of King Frederic II. Advisors fretted as to what would become of the army as a fighting force, and of war in general, if such behavior were to spread across all ranks of mounted personnel. Many expected the king would have this deed punished in the most draconian manner. Frederic decided otherwise and simply ordered : “Transfer that chap to the infantry!”
Topic:
Security, Development, and War
Political Geography:
Europe and Prussia

13. America's New Deal with Europe: NATO Primacy and Double Expansion

Author:
Carl Conetta
Publication Date:
10-1997
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Project on Defense Alternatives
Abstract:
Including analysis relevant to the 2022 Ukraine crisis, this article addresses NATO expansion, burdensharing, the Balkans crisis, and relations with Russia and Germany. The American debate and public opinion regarding NATO enlargement is reviewed as well.
Topic:
Defense Policy, NATO, Conflict, and Regional Power
Political Geography:
Russia, Europe, Ukraine, Germany, Balkans, North America, and United States of America

14. Confidence-Building Defense: a comprehensive approach to security and stability in the new era

Author:
Carl Conetta and Lutz Unterseher
Publication Date:
05-1994
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Project on Defense Alternatives
Abstract:
Originally, this primer was written and then published in spiral-bound book format for a series of seminars sponsored by the Study Group on Alternative Security Policy (SAS) and the Project on Defense Alternatives (PDA). These seminars were held in 1994 in several of the newly sovereign states of Europe: the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Belarus. The primer remains one of the most comprehensive presentations of the concepts of Confidence-Building Defense including details of their application to the structuring and operations of national armed forces. It totals 116 pages with 94 charts and tables. Although some details of arms and tactics change over time, the fundamentals remain relevant to present-day international security and military planning. Unfortunately, in 1994 no suitable seminar host was found in Ukraine. Although not a panacea, confidence-building defenses could improve Ukraine’s defenses and national morale in the present crisis.
Topic:
Security, Defense Policy, Armed Forces, and Strategic Stability
Political Geography:
Europe, Ukraine, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Belarus

15. Low Flying and Security Posture: Examining NATO Military Low-Flying and its Future Prospects

Author:
Alan Bloomgarden
Publication Date:
12-1994
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Project on Defense Alternatives
Abstract:
This report examines the role of low-flying tactics in NATO air strategy and questions whether additional training in this tactic is required or appropriate in the post-Cold War period. It was commissioned by the Innu Nation as a contribution to the environmental impact statement review process of proposed expanded military flying activities in Labrador and Quebec.
Topic:
Security, Defense Policy, NATO, Cold War, and Military Affairs
Political Geography:
Europe and North America

16. The Sometimes You Win and Sometimes You Lose Hypothesis: Some Comments on the Use of Models in Force Comparisons

Author:
Charles Knight
Publication Date:
03-1988
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Project on Defense Alternatives
Abstract:
In this previously unpublished paper from 1988, the author reviews various models for simulating war along the Central Front in Germany and their relevance for finding a stable conventional force balance in Europe (and elsewhere.) Force structures that tend to produce stable outcomes in battlefield simulations are likely to have more deterrent value in the real world.
Topic:
Defense Policy, War, and Military Affairs
Political Geography:
Europe and Germany