This book, first published in 1990, is an incisive examination of NATO’s strategy for the defence of the central front – the concern that has lain at the heart of NATO since its formation. Politically, the central front marked the post-war division of Europe into two competing blocs; militarily, it has represented the area of greatest force concentration and greatest threat. As NATO’s strategic agenda changed with the end of the Cold War, the central front remained a critical concern. This book analyses the structure, strategy and doctrines of both East and West, and examines the relationship of NATO strategy to conventional force doctrines.

This book, first published in 1990, is an incisive examination of NATO’s strategy for the defence of the central front – the concern that has lain at the heart of NATO since its formation. Politically, the central front marked the post-war division of Europe into two competing blocs; militarily, it has represented the area of greatest force concentration and greatest threat. As NATO’s strategic agenda changed with the end of the Cold War, the central front remained a critical concern. This book analyses the structure, strategy and doctrines of both East and West, and examines the relationship of NATO strategy to conventional force doctrines.