Background to Missile Defence
Missile defence is not a new thing. Early attempts to develop missile defence systems started back in the 1960s and 1970s. During the Cold War, there was tension between the Soviet Union and the US and both countries attempted to construct a missile defence system. - In the 1960s the Soviets developed the Galosh, a missile defence system around Moscow. Galosh was intended to use nuclear-armed interceptors to shoot down incoming missiles.
- In the 1970s the US also started work on a safeguard missile defence programme. It was based in North Dakota and intended to defend the US nuclear weaponry.
Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty
Instead of continuing development of such systems, the two countries signed the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) in 1972. The ABM Treaty limited the two countries to having one ABM system each, those that already existed in Moscow and North Dakota, and they agreed to develop no more.
Both sides felt that effective limits on missile systems were necessary to curb the growing race in strategic arms.
However the US ended the treaty by withdrawing from it, on 13th June, 2002. It was then free to proceed with the development of a large-scale ballistic missile defence system. After September 11th, 2001, it felt it was necessary to proceed with the missile defence programme as it felt threatened from attacks by terrorists and "rogue" states
Things to think about
1) What are your views on the missile defence project?
2) How do you feel about the situation of nuclear weapons in today's world?
3) Is the threat from rogue states exaggerated? Some claim that those rogue states that are developing missiles would be unlikely to attack the US, as that would be suicide. Do you agree?
4) Can you think of anything you can do to help the cause of disarmament?
How does it effect us? >>
|
