What are the key factors that will shape the post-Soviet military system? This text assesses the geo-strategic context in which leaders must operate, the nature of future war, foundations of military power, dilemmas confronting a multinational military force, problems in managing a nuclear arsenal, civil-military relations, economic priorities and problems and ethnic questioning. Also discussed are Soviet forecasting methodologies, naval developments, views about theatre warfare in Europe, developments in C31, the role of space, the Soviet military economy, mobilisation regimes, Soviet views on American military thought, perspectives on the initial period of warfare and changes in operational arts. This current evaluation of how war and the Soviet Union are being transformed has been designed for students and experts in military studies, political science and the social sciences generally.