Nuclear policy and the defensive transition

Journal Article · · Foreign Aff.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/20041909· OSTI ID:6111021

Payne, K B; Gray, C S

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), Journal Name: Foreign Aff.; (United States) Vol. 62:4; ISSN FRNAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
AGREEMENTS
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
FOREIGN POLICY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
NATIONAL DEFENSE
NUCLEAR DETERRENCE
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
POLITICAL ASPECTS
SPACE WEAPONS
WEAPONS