if the economy fails to improve, ethnic groups clamor increasingly for independence, and Party officials see their privileges continue to erode. 88 Gorbachev's days may well be numbered.
What would be the result of Gorbachev's departure from power as it affects Soviet intelligence functions? Probably very little, although the loss of Gorbachev's astute, warm public-relations image would make recruitment a bit more difficult. The recent emphasis on economic and technological espionage would continue or even increase as the need becomes ever greater. For this, Japan and the Pacific Rim will loom ever larger, with a consequent slightly lesser attention paid to the main enemy, the United States, and its Western European allies. Africa (except for South Africa) and the Middle East will also receive less attention, though their essential ores and minerals will continue to merit a watch for targets of opportunity when they arise. Involvement in South and Central America will have little importance other than as an occasional prod to keep the United States off balance in its own backyard. But will there be less of a role for the KGB? For the foreseeable future, one can rest assured that this powerful organization will continue to play a pivotal role in the Soviet system.
-288-
Questia, a part of Gale, Cengage Learning. www.questia.com
Publication information:
Book title: Global Corporate Intelligence:Opportunities, Technologies, and Threats in the 1990s.
Contributors: George S. Roukis - Editor, Hugh Conway - Editor, Bruce H. Charnov - Editor.
Publisher: Quorum Books.
Place of publication: New York.
Publication year: 1990.
Page number: 288.
This material is protected by copyright and, with the exception of fair use, may not be further copied, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means.
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