Defense and Arms Control Studies Program Annual Report Academic Year 1986-1987
Abstract
The Defense and Arms Control Program continues to reflect MIT'S priorities in education, research and public service. Our primary raison d'etre is the education of graduate students. The program serves faculty and students as a locus for research and analysis of relevant technical, strategic, and political aspects of vital national and international security questions. Our public service outreach activities provide analyses for policy makers, educators, journalists, and the general public who want to participate in the political process affecting national security. In the past year, the technical potential and strategic role of nuclear defense systems again occupied center stage nationally and internationally. Quite naturally, the national interest in SDI has been reflected in the activities of the DACS program. We believe such close attention is warranted since the controversy and debate about strategic defense involves fundamental national policy issues and perceptions of the dynamics of US and Soviet strategic programs. The Defense and Arms Control Studies Program has also been affected by glasnost, which has increased the level of candor that we find in our discussions with Soviet defense specialists. In time, this may provide US analysts, including our own Soviet Security Studies group, with new insights into Soviet thinking and activities in the defense area. Although significant studies have been done using currently available data, the prospect of improved information from the Soviet Union is exciting.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA456061
Entities
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology