US National Missile Defense and Its Effect on U.S.-Russian Arms Control

Abstract

This thesis provides an analysis of the proposed and potential security functions of a United States National Missile Defense system and determines what implications the construction of such a system would have on current and future U.S.-Russian arms control agreements. This research is critical for understanding the evolution, both domestically and internationally, of ballistic missile defense systems and their link to nuclear strategy and arms control. This thesis will also explore the policy debates and political trends in both the United States and Russia concerning U.S. NMD, in an attempt to better explain each country's position. Compromise between the two countries on arms control issues involving both offensive and defensive systems is only possible if post-Cold War realities are accepted. The current arms control regime that governs both offensive and defensive systems is based on a political and military reality that no longer exists.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA379610

Entities

People

  • Christopher S. Servello

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Anti-Ballistic Missiles
  • Arms Control
  • Arms Control Treaties
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Congress
  • Defense Systems
  • Foreign Relations
  • International Law
  • International Relations
  • International Security
  • Law
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Treaties
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Strategic Security Studies