SALT II: Consequences for Europe and the Nordic Region

Abstract

Sjaastad, A. C. SALT II: Consequences for Europe and the Nordic Region. Cooperation and Conflict, XV, 1980, 237-248.

As a countermove to the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, President Carter has asked the Senate to shelve the SALT II treaty and postpone its ratification process. Yet there seems to exist an understanding that the signatories will respect the provisions of SALT II, even though the treaty has not formally taken effect. In evaluating the consequences of SALT II, it is important to distinguish between, on the one hand, consequences of the negotiations and treaties and, on the other, developments in the military-strategic field which have come about independently of the SALT process. In this article conceivable political and strategic-military consequences of SALT II for Europe in general, and the Nordic area in particular are analysed in the light of recent developments in the East-West strategic balance. It is concluded that SALT II contributes to the maintenance of a high level of strategic arms, not the least consequence of which is a significant concentration of strategic weapons systems in the immediate vicinity of the Nordic countries.