Reconciling supersymmetric grand unification with αs(mZ)≅0.11

We argue that supersymmetric grand unification of gauge couplings is not incompatible with small αs, even without large GUT-scale corrections, if one relaxes a usual universal gaugino mass assumption. A commonly assumed relation M2mgchar/3 is in gross contradiction with αs≅0.11. Instead, a small αs favors M2 much-lt mg|. If this is indeed the case our observation casts doubt on another commonly used relation M10.5M2 which originates from the same constraint of a common gaugino mass at the GUT scale. One firm prediction emerging within the small αs scenario with the unconstrained gaugino masses is the existence of a relatively light gluino below ∼200 GeV. copyright 1995 The American Physical Society