Abstract:

Missile defence (MD) is an old strategic debate that has been growing in intensity for some years now, due to the development of ballistic proliferation and a major domestic debate in the US. It is important to understand the evolution of the debate before examining the options available to the Bush administration, whose coming to power marks a turning point favourable to rapid deployment of an antimissile shield to protect American territory. While the September 11 attacks are unlikely to close the debate, there remain a certain number of outstanding questions, which will eventually determine the exact form of the proposed defence and the international reactionsto the new American strategic paradigm.

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