[lit-ideas] Re: The Mr. Nice Guy Strategy

While I'm in basic conceptual accord with Simon on strategic modes, I
think his discussion point offers a false choice based on
over-simplification.

To my mind, it seems likely that the immense build-up of nuclear strike
capacity in the US arsenal (particularly the creation of small-package
warheads that allowed US submarines to deploy considerably more
firepower than Soviet subs) created enormous economic pressure on a
Russian military and civilian leadership trying to keep pace. The
opportunity to engage in talks provided a release valve for that
pressure. 

So it was an economic problem that Reagan helped create for the Soviet
Union (as well as the US, but that's a whole 'nother story), and the
problem's solution was talking.

-Wm. Dolphin
Ontario (the one in southern California)

-----Original Message-----
From: lit-ideas-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:lit-ideas-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Simon Ward
Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2009 3:35 PM
To: lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [lit-ideas] Re: The Mr. Nice Guy Strategy

Eric: "See, that didn't hurt. You agreed"

Irony? Woosh! Straight over the head.

The problem I have, the ever lasting problem, is the consequence of 
draconian resolve; it doesn't provide any reward for good behaviour
beyond a 
notion of survival and after that a good proportion will want revenge
for 
draconian action. In contrast, Mr Nice is in a position to offer a good
time 
to anyone who behaves.

Discussion point: Did Reagan succeed with Gorbachov because he
threatened 
imminent destruction or because he talked. Did that simple fact -
talking - 
do the stuff?

Simon 

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