Look before you LEAP

Journal Article · Sun May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Arms Control Today

OSTI ID:45377

Keeny, Jr, S M

Almost unnoticed, the Clinton administration is quietly seeking to persuade Russia to join in a reinterpretation of the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty that could have extremely adverse consequences for U.S. security. Under the guise of {open_quotes}clarifying{close_quotes} the dividing line between strategic ballistic missile defenses, which are covered by the treaty, and tactical defenses so permissive that systems with significant capability against strategic missiles could legally be deployed. Consequently, systems that also violate other treaty provisions, including the ban on mobility, could be deployed in unlimited numbers. Opening this gaping loophole in the ABM Treaty could block further reductions in strategic warheads below START II levels. This new barrier to reducing nuclear arsenals would undercut U.S. efforts to achieve an indefinite extension of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

• OSTI ID: 45377
• Journal Information: Arms Control Today, Journal Name: Arms Control Today Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 24; ISSN 0196-125X; ISSN ACOTEB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

35 ARMS CONTROL
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
NON-PROLIFERATION POLICY
USA