Dear guys!
Soviet Army wouldn't have encountered any difficulties in conquering Western Europe in the event of CONVENTIONAL war with NATO. It goes without saying for many self-evident reasons and both Soviets and NATO knew that very well. That is why NATO took cover under its nuclear umbrella in fear of Soviets. Well, the Soviets weren't sure if NATO could really use nukes in conventional war but price was to high for them to check it. Therefore Cold War had never changed into hot war up to the USSR's downfall.
Of course, from purely economic point of view such NATO military strategy was very effective tool because nuclear weapon is far more cheaper than conventional one. Thus NATO countries were able to be rich and secure but Soviets became more and more poorer due to necessity of maintaining huge and practically unuseful army. The end of this history is known...
One main lesson taken from this history is that if you build a powerful army you must use it better sooner than later. Otherwise you shall lose without one shot and go down in flames!
