Strategic Defense and Deterrence

James A. Thomson

Expert InsightsPublished 1984

In this testimony before the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, the author deals with one of the most fundamental questions underlying the current debate over the administration's strategic defense initiative: Will the addition of the significant strategic defense capability help to deter Soviet aggression better than if the United States did not have such an addition? The author addresses technology options, the issues of offense vs. defense in an arms race, crisis stability, and extended deterrence.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1984
  • Pages: 18
  • Document Number: P-6985

Citation

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Thomson, James A., Strategic Defense and Deterrence. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1984. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P6985.html.
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