The aim of this book is to provide a systematic approach to the issue of conversion. While governments frequently talk of "peace dividends" they seem unwilling to take the necessary steps to achieve them. Periods of war and peace have the power to shape the foundations of the state, and therefore the way in which a state perceives the purpose of war will in turn affect the way in which it pursues peace and disarmament. Is conversion a predominantly economic, military, political or social issue? With this question in mind, the author attempts to examine the way in which a state, the Soviet Union, defines its security, and how this has influenced its attempts at disarmament.