The Strategic Defense Initiative in Soviet Planning and Policy

Abstract

This report analyzes the nature and depth of Moscow's concern about the Strategic Defense Initiatives (SDI) and its implications for future Soviet responses. The authors consider the political-military and technical issues raised for the Soviets by SDI. The study assesses the Soviet declaratory stance on SDI; reviews the evolution and current state of Soviet attitudes toward homeland defense; summarizes key trends in Soviet antiballistic missile and antisatellite technology; considers the actual concerns that may underlie Moscow's propaganda line on SDI; reviews the range of technical responses the Soviets have said they might undertake; and examines the various political, strategic, institutional, and economic determinants that will shape whatever counter-SDI choices the Soviets ultimately adopt.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA213736

Entities

People

  • Benjamin S. Lambeth
  • Kevin N. Lewis

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Anti-Ballistic Missiles
  • Arms Control
  • Directed Energy Weapons
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • International Security
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Rockets
  • Treaties
  • Warfare
  • Warning Systems

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Strategic Security Studies