The Strategic Defense Initiative: New perspectives on deterrence
The Strategic Defense Initiative has evolved into a massively funded research and development effort with profound implications not only for weapons technology but also for East-West relations. In this book, preeminent figures from the policymaking and defense communities address critical aspects of the program, offering widely divergent points of view. Some contributors view SDI as the best way to develop alternatives to the strategy of retaliation by strengthening defensive deterrence, and they decry political reluctance to proceed with deployment. Others cite what they argue are virtually insurmountable technological obstacles to developing a ''perfect'' defense. They believe SDI will mean the end of arms control and an escalation of superpower competition in both offensive and defensive weapons. Some contributors look at the foreign policy perspectives, examining the fear of our NATO allies that SDI represents a progressive decoupling of the U.S. strategic deterrent from the defense of Europe. But as a counterpoint, some argue that SDI is not a doctrinal revolution in American strategic policy but rather a way to gain leverage over the Soviet strategic arsenal.
- OSTI ID:
- 6732297
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Mutual defense emphasis: The history and implications of an alternative approach to strategic arms control
Changes in Russia's Military and Nuclear Doctrine
Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
EVALUATION
MILITARY STRATEGY
RISK ASSESSMENT
NUCLEAR DETERRENCE
ARMS CONTROL
FOREIGN POLICY
NATO
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
POLITICAL ASPECTS
PROLIFERATION
PROPOSALS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
USA
USSR
WESTERN EUROPE
ASIA
EASTERN EUROPE
EUROPE
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NATIONAL DEFENSE
NORTH AMERICA
WEAPONS
350100* - Arms Control- Policy
Negotiations
& Legislation- (1987-)
293000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
450202 - Explosions & Explosives- Nuclear- Weaponry- (-1989)