Soviet strategic doctrine remains a subject of controversy and speculation within the West, while its fundamental importance for those charged with planning Western defense and arms control policies is, if anything, increasing. This collection of essays by a distinguished, yet diverse, group of analysts is therefore an important contribution. The work of authoritative scholars (such as Fritz Ermarth, Raymond Garthoff, Michael McGwire, Nathan Leites and David Holloway), each contribution presents much distilled thought.