[lit-ideas] Re: The Mr. Nice Guy Strategy
- From: "William Dolphin" <dolphinw@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:02:37 -0700
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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