Gorshkov describes naval shows of strength that can remain political demonstrations, become direct combat, or support land forces. Examples from Latin America, Cuba, Korea, Lebanon, and Vietnam show fleets scaling marines, carriers, escorts, landing ships, and allied vessels to the demands of a conflict. The outcomes were not always successful, and naval power could not guarantee victory when wider political or military conditions were unfavorable. Read in that context, his ideological criticism of Western intervention is also a practical sales argument for Soviet capability. A globally present fleet would give leaders options to apply pressure, support partners, or intervene without immediately committing a large army.
Chapter · 1:00:23-1:04:10
Local wars and the option value of naval power
Gorshkov's criticism of Western naval interventions doubles as a case for giving the Soviet Union comparable choices in crises and local wars.