Strategic Defense Initiative - strategic implications. Study project

Technical Report · Wed Mar 30 23:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:7173476

Russell, T L

In March 1983, during this address to the nation, President Reagan initiated a major shift in U.S. strategic policy, as he indicated his desire to move away from the condition of mutual vulnerability as the primary deterrent to nuclear war. The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), as the vehicle for this shift, has become the focus of debate over implications of a new strategic policy. This study seeks to examine the strategic relationship, and the role of arms control during a transition from an offensive-dominant strategy to a defensive-dominant strategy. The methodology for the study is to present arguments for and against SDI, as they relate to the issues of stability and arms control, evaluate their validity, draw conclusions, and provide recommendations that may enhance international security during a transition period of SDI.

• Research Organization: Army War Coll., Carlisle Barracks, PA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7173476
• Report Number(s): AD-A-192341/6/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

350100* -- Arms Control-- Policy
Negotiations
& Legislation-- (1987-)
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ARMS CONTROL
ASIA
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
EASTERN EUROPE
EUROPE
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
MILITARY STRATEGY
NATIONAL DEFENSE
SECURITY
USSR
VULNERABILITY