Looking Beyond the Strategic Defense Initiative.
Abstract
On 23 March 1983, President Reagan announced a new proposal. This study looks at the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) and how it will achieve the objectives President Reagan envisioned in his speech. It examines a scenario in which deterrence has failed and the time for Presidential decision making is severely compressed. It then looks at Presidential decision making during such a crisis and examines his options. Next, it looks at how the SDI is envisioned to work and contribute to the ultimate goal of eliminating the threat posed by nuclear ballistic missiles. Last, it examines the possibility that SDI may create a world we do not want; a dangerous world in which conventional wars between the two superpowers would become possible, maybe even probable. It does this by examining its impact on NATO, particularly in light of the proposed Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 30, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA195079
Entities
People
- Dean H. Nichols
Organizations
- United States Army War College