Conventional Prompt Global Strike: Valuable Military Option or Threat to Global Stability?

Abstract

This thesis examines the potential destabilizing implications of conventional prompt global strike capabilities that operate from or through space. Existing material on this subject is largely limited to debates over the merits of terrestrial verses space basing and arguments against deployment over perceived increases in the likelihood of inadvertent nuclear war. This thesis addresses these issues, but takes the next step and analyzes the root causes and proposes possible solutions to the "security dilemma" these weapons may create. The central finding is that in order to fully exploit the predicted advantages of conventional prompt global strike capabilities, significant changes to the enduring Cold War nuclear postures of the United States and Russia are necessary.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA439830

Entities

People

  • Todd C. Shull

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Counter WMD
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Early Warning Systems
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • International Law
  • International Relations
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Prompt Global Strike
  • Recreation
  • Second World War
  • Tanker Aircraft
  • Treaties
  • Warfare
  • Warning Systems
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space