The Ogarkov Factor

The key to Mikhail Gorbachev’s bewilderingly rapid moves in the arms-control game probably lies in the still unresolved mystery of the Soviet Politburo’s decision, taken in September 1984, to relieve Marshal of the Soviet Union Nikolai V. Ogarkov of his post as Chief of General Staff.

It is important to note that Ogarkov was not disgraced or even really demoted: He was transferred to the almost equal position of Commanderin-Chief of the Western Theater of War. In a way, as we shall see, this amounted to recognition that his views on the nature of any future war between the Warsaw Pact and NATO could not be lightly brushed aside.

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Brian Crozier

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The key to Mikhail Gorbachev’s bewilderingly rapid moves in the arms-control game probably lies in the still unresolved mystery of the Soviet Politburo’s decision, taken in September 1984, to relieve Marshal of the Soviet Union Nikolai V. Ogarkov of his post as Chief of General Staff.

It is important to note that Ogarkov was not disgraced or even really demoted: He was transferred to the almost equal position of Commanderin-Chief of the Western Theater of War. In a way, as we shall see, this amounted to recognition that his views on the nature of any future war between the Warsaw Pact and NATO could not be lightly brushed aside.