BMD and strategic instability

Journal Article · · Daedalus (Boston); (United States)

OSTI ID:5166322

Rathjens, G; Ruina, J

Problems with the current strategic defense initiative (SDI) program and similar Soviet ballistic missile defense (BMD) efforts include (1) an increase in US-Soviet tensions and intensification of the arms race; (2) the possibility that one of the superpowers would withdraw from the Anti-ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty and deploy some type of BMD; (3) erosion of confidence on the part of European allies, and (4) a false sense that technology and new weapons systems can eliminate the threat of nuclear destruction. The authors discount arguments that SDI will lead to crisis instability, but see virtually no chance of developing and deploying the perfect defenses necessary to meet SDI goals. While theoretically laudable, SDI is technically baseless.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
• OSTI ID: 5166322
• Journal Information: Daedalus (Boston); (United States), Journal Name: Daedalus (Boston); (United States) Vol. 2; ISSN DAEDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
ARMS CONTROL
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
NATIONAL DEFENSE
SPACE WEAPONS
TREATIES