About the ABM Treaty and Reagan:
nArticle V.1:
“each party undertakes not to develop, test, or deploy ABM systems or components which are sea-based,
air-based, space-based, or
mobile land-based.
nVague: on purpose so as not to rule out other devices that
can be developed in the
future. As long as treaty is amended, these devices are not exempt.
nReagan,
March 23, 1984: Wants to build a Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)
nEscape from reliance on mutual deterrence, but
interim goal is
to enhance deterrence
n1985-1989:
a cost of 26 billion dollars
nSays
it is consistent with ABM….for now