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Title: Future SDI (Strategic Defense Initiative) decision making. Study project

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7128488

Nearly five years have lapsed since President Reagan made his now famous speech launching his Strategic Defense Initiative. Yet, polarized debate continues over the program's feasibility, desirability, affordability, goals, and direction. Some claim the program's goals have changed over time, and that today the primary goal is for an enhanced deterrence rather than providing a population defense as originally envisioned. Although the Congress has provided continuing and expanded funding for SDI, a consensus does not exist between the Congress and the Administration over the program's direction and goals. Some concerns exist within the Congress that the Administration is rushing too quickly to reach a decision on initial system development. Others would like to see initial development of a more limited defensive capability than that envisioned by the SDI program. This paper examines the evolution of SDI from a policy standpoint and addresses a series of questions that taken together may suggest parameters for future decision making.

Research Organization:
Army War Coll., Carlisle Barracks, PA (USA)
OSTI ID:
7128488
Report Number(s):
AD-A-192794/6/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English