Nuclear policy and the defensive transition
Reagan's March 23, 1983 Star Wars speech suggesting a shift from the policy of nuclear deterrence to a defensive shield was followed by two studies of the technical and policy issues and the signing of Directive 119 authorizing the strategic defense initiative. The precedent-setting step makes policy, rather than technology the driving force in setting a new direction. The authors examine some of the key issues, including the role of ballistic missile defense in the long term and during the transition, its effect on stability, the reaction of European allies and the Soviet Union, and arms control implications. They conclude that defensive emphasis in concert with nuclear disarmament is the only politically feasible path to disarmament, with both offensive and defensive weapons effective during the transition. Star Wars could change the Soviet-American deterrence relationship, but new technology will not eliminate political rivalry.
- Research Organization:
- National Inst. for Public Policy, Farifax, VA
- OSTI ID:
- 6111021
- Journal Information:
- Foreign Aff.; (United States), Vol. 62:4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
NATIONAL DEFENSE
NUCLEAR DETERRENCE
SPACE WEAPONS
FOREIGN POLICY
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
POLITICAL ASPECTS
AGREEMENTS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
WEAPONS
290600* - Energy Planning & Policy- Nuclear Energy