The Soviet Defence Industry

The defence industry has become central to the success of perestroika in the USSR. As military expenditure is reduced, efforts are being made to harness the industry's considerable technological potential to the task of economic renewal. The conversion process has been underway for almost two years, but is encountering severe difficulties. Change in the defence sector is being complicated by the uncertainties of economic reform and the new political assertiveness of republics, regions and cities. In response, sections of the military-industrial complex are adopting more overtly political positions. The book reviews these developments and assesses their implication for the Soviet Union and the West, including consideration of new business opportunities opened up by the conversion process.