Russia and Beyond -- A Case for European Missile Defense
Abstract
On 15 August 2008, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice concluded a missile defense treaty with Poland permitting the deployment of a Ground-Based, Mid-Course Ballistic Missile Defense System (GMD) on Polish territory. Following years of negotiation among Poland, the Czech Republic (where the X-Band radar for the system is to be deployed), and the United States, the agreement fulfilled a key policy goal of the Bush administration. The National Security Presidential Directive 23 (NSPD-23) that President Bush signed in 2002 described the emerging ballistic missile threat from "rogue" nations, particularly North Korea and Iran, as the administration's highest priority. The signing of the bilateral Polish agreement, which came only days after Russia's ground incursion into the Republic of Georgia, signified the latest in a series of U.S. foreign policy moves challenging Russia's influence among its neighbors, and contributed to the Russian perception that GMD points squarely at Russia, practically and politically. This focus on Russia draws attention from a holistic understanding of the system's purpose. Beyond the practical aspects of defense, GMD provides essential tools for American policy across the Diplomatic, Informational, and Economic spectrum. GMD's suitability within the U.S. National Security Strategy is based on its ability to do the following: (1) provide diplomatic leverage with Russia, (2) compensate for the lack of a deterrent to Iran, (3) intercept a long-range missile originating in the Middle East that is aimed at Europe, and (4) be compatible with NATO security plans. The overall question is whether GMD's benefits outweigh the potential consequences of its deployment. Viewed broadly, the answer is a resounding "yes."
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA506177
Entities
People
- Robert A. Murphy
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College