Soviet Policy Under Andropov (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Jan. 20, 1984 |
| Report Number |
IB83120 |
| Authors |
Francis T. Miko, Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
The top leadership of the Soviet Union is in a rare state of flux, withmajor implications for the United States. Yuriy Andropov has rapidlyascenCad to the chairmanship of the Communist Party and the Presidency, buthis age, poor health, and l.ong absences from public view raise questions overhow securely and for how long he may hold power.The United States faces the challenge of trying, despite Moscow's veil ofsecrecy, to interpret and understand the new people and policies brought bythe transition. There is still no clear sense in Washington of whether andhow the United States-can deal with the new leadership or with whom preciselyone should be trying to deal. Is the Soviet military in a position ofgrowing influence? If so, what does this imply for U.S. global interests,the military balance, and arms control? Is the Soviet Union prepared tointroduce economic reforms that might redirect efforts away from aggressivecompetition with the United States? Ca.. n the United States influence t'hedirection the Soviets take?
