Abstract
The thesis seeks to examine to what extent Soviet vital strategic nuclear interests affected Soviet regional policy towards the nordic states between 1955 - 1985
To do so the thesis examines four areas. Firstly the overall evolution of Soviet strategic nuclear offensive and defensive interests and forces in this period
Secondly, the degree of their operational link to the nordic region. Thirdly, the evolution of Soviet foreign policy and other activities directed towards the nordic states
And finally, the extent to which the evolution of Soviet strategic interests with a nordic orientation can be said to correlate with the evolution of Soviet nordic regional policies and activities
The thesis concludes that a vague correlation can be detected, but that it remains inconclusive. The thesis also develops a systematic methodology for establishing the operational link between global nuclear interests and their regional operational and political impact in peacetime
To do so the thesis examines four areas. Firstly the overall evolution of Soviet strategic nuclear offensive and defensive interests and forces in this period
Secondly, the degree of their operational link to the nordic region. Thirdly, the evolution of Soviet foreign policy and other activities directed towards the nordic states
And finally, the extent to which the evolution of Soviet strategic interests with a nordic orientation can be said to correlate with the evolution of Soviet nordic regional policies and activities
The thesis concludes that a vague correlation can be detected, but that it remains inconclusive. The thesis also develops a systematic methodology for establishing the operational link between global nuclear interests and their regional operational and political impact in peacetime