Deterrence Enhanced by SRI (Strategic Defense Initiative).
Abstract
The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) is an investigation by scientists, military leaders, and technologists of the feasibility of strategic defenses against ballistic missiles. Whether strategic defense is the way to go in the future remains to be seen. Although the capability of the envisioned layered, ground and space-based defensive systems is not specifically addressed, the SDI research program's affect on national security strategy and its formulation is examined. If found to be feasible and cost-effective, SDI will require a drastic change in our military strategy. This essay reviews how that strategy was formulated in the past in terms of a model and how strategic defense strategy would be used in the future. More importantly, a discussion of how the SDI impacts on present US national strategy and enhances deterrence is presented. Its influence on technology, conventional defense, and arms controls are offered on this evolving strategic concept and the renewed vigor and interest it has provided in strategy formulation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA180466
Entities
People
- Peter T. Sowa
Organizations
- United States Army War College