This Administration's systematic contributions to the necessary evolution
of strategic doctrine began in 1977 when I commissioned a comprehensive net
assessment. From that base a number of thorough investigations of specific
topics continued. I should emphasize that the need for an evolutionary
doctrine is driven not by any change in our basic objective, which remains
peace and freedom for all mankind. Rather, the need for change is driven by
the inexorable buildup of Soviet military power and the increasing
propensity of Soviet leaders to use this power in coercion and outright
aggression to impose their will on others.
I have codified our evolving strategic doctrine in a number of interrelated
and mutually supporting Presidential Directives. Their overarching theme is
to provide a doctrinal basis, and the specific program to implement it,
that tells the world that no potential adversary of the United States could
ever conclude that the fruits of his aggression would be significant or
worth the enormous costs of our retaliation.
The Presidential Directives include:
PD-18: An overview of our strategic objectives PD-37: Basic space policy
PD-41: Civil Defense PD-53: Survivability and endurance for
telecommunications PD-57: Mobilization planning PD-58: Continuity of
Government PD-59: Countervailing Strategy for General War.
These policies have been devised to deter, first and foremost, Soviet
aggression. As such they confront not only Soviet military forces but also
Soviet military doctrine. By definition deterrence requires that we shape
Soviet assessments about the risks of war, assessments they will make using
their doctrine, not ours.
But at the same time we in no way seek to emulate their doctrine. In
particular, nothing in our policy contemplates that nuclear warfare could
ever be a deliberate instrument for achieving our own goals of peace and
freedom. Moreover, our policies are carefully devised to provide the
greatest possible incentives and opportunities for future progress in arms
control.
Finally, our doctrinal evolution has been undertaken with appropriate
consultation with our NATO Allies and others. We are fully consistent with
NATO's strategy of flexible response.