Harold Brown : offsetting the Soviet military challenge 1977-1981 / Edward C. Keefer.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Keefer, Edward C. (Edward Coltrin), 1945- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Cabinet officers--United States--Biography.

Cabinet officers.

National security--United States--History--20th century.

National security.

Arms control--United States--History--20th century.

Arms control.

United States--Military policy--History--20th century.

United States.

United States--Politics and government--1977-1981.

World politics--20th century.

World politics.

United States. Department of Defense--Officials and employees--Biography.

United States. Department of Defense--History--20th century.

Brown, Harold, 1927-.

Brown, Harold.

Other Title:

Harold Brown

Place of Publication:

Washington: U.S. G.P.O.,

Summary:

"Secretary of Defense Harold Brown worked to counter the Soviet Union's growing military strength during the administration of President Jimmy Carter. The Soviet Union of the Carter years came closest to matching the United States in strategic power than at any other point in the Cold War. By most reckonings, the Kremlin surpassed the West in conventional arms and forces in Central Europe, posing a threat to NATO. In response, Brown--a nuclear physicist--advocated more technologically advanced weapon systems but faced Carter's efforts to reign in the defense budget. Backed by the JCS, the national security adviser, and key members of Congress, Brown persuaded Carter to increase the defense budget for the last two years of his term. The secretary championed the development and production of new weapons such as stealth aircraft, precision-guided bombs, and cruise missiles. These and other initiatives laid a solid foundation for the much-acclaimed Ronald Reagan defense revolution that actually began under Carter. The book also highlights Brown's policymaking efforts and his influence on President Carter as the administration responded to international events such as the Middle East peace process, the Iran revolution and hostage crisis, the rise of militant Islam, negotiations with the Soviets over arms limitations, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the creation of a security framework for the Persian Gulf region. Other topics cover policy toward Latin America and Africa. The book is also a history of the Defense Department, including the continual development of the All-Volunteer Force and the organizational changes that saw improved policy formulation and acquisition decisions."--Provided by publisher.