Strategic Regions in 21st Century Power Politics - Zones of Consensus and Zones of Conflict

China, Perceived Power

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Figure 6-3: Nuclear Power^9

Countries Heavy Bomber IBMs SLBMs

United States 348 656 1 054

USSR 156 950 1 398

U. Kingdom 50 64

France 50 64 18

China 80 80 18

At the time, the Soviet Union was apparently the first nuclear power
closely followed by the USA, with China exhibiting a low profile in this
matter. Therefore, Cline was able to create this table, according to which
the position of the USSR, with a recognized capacity to deliver bombs,
would stimulate Washington to enforce its position in long term. American
missiles were equipped with one warhead, whereas intercontinental Soviet
missiles had several warheads. The MAD doctrine was designed with this
view of perceived dangers.

Figure 6-4: Power Weights^10

Nevertheless, Cline wanted to investigate conventional power, creating
a model taken from the amount of man power and converting it into
equivalent conventional units of combat, using new coefficients as well.
The position of China among other powers is shown in the following
table.

(^9) Cline.
(^10) Cline.
Countries Power Weights
USSR 100
USA 95
United Kingdom 10
France 10
China 10
Israel 5
India 5